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SVD Vow Renewal in Chad Marks a Significant Step in Mission Formation
Lukáš Hanúsek, SVD
This renewal was noteworthy for the TCD Mission, which does not yet have its own theological seminary. Until now, Chadian seminarians have usually renewed their vows either in Congo or Ghana. Fr. Jean-Baptiste Tran Huy Khanh, SVD, Vice-Superior of the TCD Mission, presided over the ceremony and received Frt. Kodjovi’s vows on behalf of the Superior General during the 6:00 p.m. Mass at the parish.
St. Arnold Janssen Parish is significant in the history of the SVD in Chad—it was here that the first Divine Word Missionaries began their ministry in 2004. The celebration gathered confreres, parish youth, and religious sisters, who joined in prayer, singing, and thanksgiving for the gift of another missionary vocation.
Frt. Kodjovi renewed his vows for one year, following a three-day recollection guided by Fr. Lukáš Hanúsek, SVD, Director of OTP/CTP in Chad. This marked the beginning of his pastoral year at Laramanaye Parish.
The experience also highlights the opportunity for young confreres still in formation to consider doing their OTP/CTP in Chad. The program offers exposure to missionary work in a developing church, where pastoral activity often takes place in rural areas with limited resources and structures.
In Chad, missionaries engage closely with local communities and encounter people whose lives are deeply rooted in simplicity and faith. The work requires patience, adaptability, and a spirit of presence, as many mission areas remain far from modern urban life.
The OTP/CTP program in Chad includes courses on inculturation, language study (French and local languages), and participation in pastoral and social ministries within the five SVD communities in the country. In a small mission like Chad, every seminarian and confrere is welcomed and encouraged to contribute to the mission’s growth.
Today, it is Frt. Kodjovi Florent who has renewed his commitment to the mission in Chad. Tomorrow, it could be another young confrere continuing the same path of service.
