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SVD Jubilee Celebration in Papua New Guinea Highlights Mission and Unity
Michael Donovan, SVD
The events honored the legacy of St. Arnold Janssen, remembered the sacrifices of pioneering missionaries, and encouraged confreres to renew their missionary commitment. Filled with gratitude, fellowship, and storytelling, the celebrations strengthened the bonds of the Arnoldus family.
SVD and SSpS Celebrate Annual Retreat and 150th Jubilee in PNG
On August 28, the SVD and SSpS communities gathered at the Alexishafen Conference Centre for their annual retreat, which was combined with a seminar on the founder, St. Arnold Janssen. The retreat was facilitated by Fr. Denis Manzana, SVD, from Steyl, while Bishop Douglas Young, SVD, served as facilitator for the Assembly and Jubilee.
More than fifty confreres attended, listening as Fr. Denis presented a detailed account of the humble beginnings of the Society and its growth over 150 years. He described Fr. Janssen as a man of prayer who sought above all to do God’s will. The five-day retreat focused on the spirituality of St. Arnold Janssen and its relevance today, encouraging members to share God’s love with all nations. The theme of the retreat was “Witnessing to the Light in a Wounded World” and concluded with a Mass on September 5, celebrated by Fr. Denis.
Jubilee Assembly in Madang
The Jubilee celebrations began on September 6 at the SVD Conference Centre in Madang, facilitated by Bishop Douglas Young. Provincial Superior Fr. Jose Orantinkal, SVD, together with Fr. Benyamin, SVD, formally opened the assembly. The sessions reflected on the blessings of mission work in PNG, the challenges faced over the years, and gratitude to those confreres who supported the mission. Special recognition was given to senior confreres, including Br. Rudi Van Lier (93), Fr. Pat Gesch (81), Fr. Michael Donovan (77), Fr. Philip Gibbs (78), and Bishop Douglas (75).
The following day, after Mass, Fr. Jose launched the book They Were Sent to New Guinea, Volume Two by Fr. Jozef Maciolek, SVD, which tells the story of the founding missionaries in PNG such as Fr. Arnold Steffen, Bishop Henk Te Maarssen, Archbishop William Kurts, and Bishop Francesco Sarego. He also announced that the book Called from the Fields by Fr. Michael Donovan, SVD, had been added to the Oxford Library in Chambéry, offering congratulations for this recognition.
Jubilee Gate Blessing
On September 8, Archbishop Anton Bal of Madang blessed the Jubilee Gate, while Bishop Valentine Gryk blessed the main entrance to St. Michael’s Motherhouse. The celebration continued with Mass, followed by lunch shared with invited guests and friends. The event marked an important milestone in the Society’s history, strengthening the identity and unity of SVD missionaries in PNG.
The day was filled with joy, fellowship, and storytelling, including a memorable account of the late Fr. Casimir Niezgoda, known as a Good Samaritan. One story told how a man, once a frequent borrower, returned unexpectedly—not to ask for money, but to repay a debt after selling his pig. The incident left Fr. Casimir speechless and serves as a lasting reminder of honesty and gratitude.
Looking Ahead
During the final session, Bishop Douglas posed the question: “Where do we go from here?” Participants expressed their trust in God’s will, echoing the spirit of St. Arnold Janssen: we do not know how life will unfold, but by God’s grace, we continue forward.
Over 70 confreres participated in the Assembly, with only a few absent due to home leave or security reasons.
Gratitude
Special thanks were expressed to house rectors Fr. George Rifa, SVD, and Fr. Peter Kim, SVD, and their kitchen staff for their hospitality; to Fr. Zygmunt for transport assistance; and to Fr. Vincent Agbeyome, SVD, who served as Master of Ceremonies. The gathering was a joyful reminder of the bonds of the St. Arnold Janssen family, celebrating unity, renewal, and mission.
