Society
Of The Divine Word

The missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their foundation. One of the main events of this jubilee was the installation, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, of the “Virgin of the Four Continents” at their Generalate in Rome. Four statutes of the Virgin were placed there, each representing one of the four zones where the Divine Word mission is established. The jubilee is an opportunity to rediscover the charism of this congregation, which is present on all five continents, stated the Congolese SVD missionary, Modeste Munimi.

Founded in the Netherlands on September 8, 1875, by the German priest Arnold Janssen, the Society of the Divine Word will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year as a religious and missionary congregation. The jubilee celebrations began on September 8 this year, with commemorative events and activities on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this same context, on Sunday, December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, four statues of “Our Lady of the Four Continents” were installed at the SVD Generalate.

The Virgin of the Four Continents

The expression might seem ambiguous or even discriminatory. However, that is not the case. “The Virgin of the Four Continents” should not be understood according to the world’s political divisions. Instead, the expression refers to the four zones in which the SVD Mission is organised: the Africa and Madagascar zone (AFRAM), the Europe zone, the PANAM zone (which includes Latin America and North America), and the ASPAC zone (Asia-Pacific, which encompasses Asia and Oceania).

Therefore, it refers to four representations of the Madonna, each selected from one of these four congregational subdivisions. However, despite being four, the representation is unique. “It is the same Virgin,” stated Father Modeste Munimi, General Coordinator of Communication for the Society of the Divine Word. Hence the name “The Virgin of the Four Continents.”

The Virgin Mary and the SVD: A Very Special Spiritual Relationship

Saint Arnold Janssen had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. According to Father Munimi, this devotion was already present in the early moments of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). The society was founded on September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. At that time, only the male congregation, the SVD, existed. Later, on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, two female institutes were established: the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) and the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (SspSAp).

Beyond the mere dates, the German priest instilled in his spiritual children a profound devotion, as stated by the General Coordinator of Communications for the SVD. “The Virgin is a mother: mother of the missionaries, mother of the missionaries of the Divine Word, but also mother of the missionary sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit and Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration,” praised the Congolese Verbite.

Witnessing to the Light from everywhere for everyone

” Witnessing to the Light from everywhere for everyone” is the theme chosen to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Divine Word Missionaries. This theme refers to the last General Chapter held by the SVD in June and July this year, whose motto was: ” Your Light must Shine Before Others: Creative Disciples in a Wounded World.” This motto responds to the world’s current challenges, as stated by Father Munimi.

“We live in a world full of wars, conflicts, poverty, and indifference. There are too many problems in this world, and this is a call for us. What is our response as missionaries of the Divine Word? That is why we chose this theme,” he said. “We want to witness the light, to offer hope to this wounded world. In all these situations of conflict and poverty, we, as missionaries, want to be witnesses of hope,” he explained. He also expressed his joy that hope is the theme the Universal Church chose to celebrate the jubilee year that began on December 24.

“We, the missionaries of the Divine Word, have always been ahead of the universal Church,” the SVD priest exclaimed with a humorous tone, recalling a joke from a former general superior.

We Have Always Lived in an Intercultural Community

The Society of the Divine Word is present on all five continents, with approximately 5,754 members spread across 79 countries, making it the sixth-largest religious congregation in the world. However, beyond its geographical expansion, the uniqueness of the Society’s strong representation lies in the intercultural nature of its communities, as affirmed by Father Munimi.

“With 76 nationalities, we are always intercultural and multicultural communities wherever we are. For example, in a community in Sudan, it is common to find someone from Asia, Europe, or America. This is how we live, as missionaries,” explained the Congolese SVD, emphasising that such a constitution, far from being a challenge as one might think, “encourages a spirit of openness in the community and a spirit of brotherhood.”

Is this not “an example in a divided world, where… with the issue of immigration, there is a sense of rejection towards others, of indifference?” exclaimed Father SVD.

Characteristic Dimensions of the SVD Mission

The SVD mission is structured around four “characteristic dimensions”: the Bible, Communication, Mission, and the triptych of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. As a reference to the Divine Word, the Bible is an integral part of the SVD’s identity, explained Father Munimi. “Our name is our mission, and it is where we were born,” he emphasised, quoting John’s prologue. “This is what inspired the founder,” he added.

Regarding communication, the SVD communicator pointed out, “For us, it is a powerful and important tool for evangelisation, for proclaiming the word of God.” He noted that the founder himself “used communication to give visibility to his missionary work.”

As for the mission, Father SVD stated, “Our charisma, our work, consists of giving this awareness, of awakening the missionary consciousness of the Church wherever we are.”

The triptych of “Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation” constitutes an apostolic priority integrated into all SVD apostolates, declared the Congolese priest.

Of course, like all congregations of priestly orders, the SVD also focuses on parish pastoral work. Additionally, the Missionaries of the Divine Word are renowned for their outstanding educational apostolate, especially in universities in Japan, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia, as well as in schools in Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Main Activities Registered in the Program of This Jubilee

Since the inauguration of this Jubilee on September 8, various activities have been carried out. The congregation was founded in Steyl, Netherlands, where the Jubilee was launched. On December 8, the installation ceremony of “The Virgin of the Four Continents” took place.

According to Father Munimi, other activities will continue, including a conference titled “The SVD Mission Today.” This conference will be held in March at the Pontifical Gregorian University and will examine how the SVD (Societas Verbi Divini) should conceptualise their mission today in “a wounded world like ours,” explained the SVD communicator. He recently published a Spanish book titled “ Comunicar con el silencio. ¿Paradoja o realidad? (“Communicating with Silence: Paradox or Reality?”).

Subsequently, a book will be published that will present the missionary activities of the SVD worldwide. The book will be given on January 15, during the feast of St. Arnold Janssen. Finally, a retreat will take place, intended for all branches linked to the Arnold Janssen family, including the religious and lay. This retreat will be held in July.

The Jubilee will conclude on September 8 of next year.