Society
Of The Divine Word
  • svd-prms
  • / ECP
  • / Communication / Fr. General's Visit / News
Father General Anselmo Ribeiro is pictured here during one of the interviews with Father Franz Helm, who interpreted for him.

Visit by the Superior General: Great media interest
P. Anselmo Ribeiro gave interviews to journalists from radio and print media during his visit to Austria

ECP Communication

‘Communication is a mission’, emphasised Superior General P. Anselmo Ribeiro SVD recently in his message for the World Day of Communication. During his visit to Austria at Pentecost, the Superior General, who himself studied communication and journalism, demonstrated that media and public relations work are very important for him.

In an ‘interview marathon’ on Friday. 6. June 2025, in the SVD-parish ‘Zum Göttlichen Wort’ in Vienna-Favoriten, he answered questions from print and radio journalists from Radio Klassik Stephansdom, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Vienna ‘Der Sonntag’, ORF, Kathpress and the media office of the religious communities. Fr Franz Helm SVD and Provincial Fr Christian Stranz SVD were responsible for the translation.

The interviews covered topics such as the worldwide activities of the SVD, the current challenges facing the SVD, the interculturality that characterises the Divine Word Missionaries but which is also associated with tensions, the growth of the SVD in Asia and Africa and the decline in vocations in Europe and America.

The personal vocation history of the Superior General, his “career” in the SVD and his concept of leadership were also discussed. In light of current events, the journalists also asked Fr Ribeiro for an assessment of the new Pope, Leo XIV.

Links to articles and radio programmes:

SVD600x600

Other News and Stories from Provinces, Regions and Missions

The Lord Chooses You”: SVD Chile Installs New Provincial Leadership Team for 2026

SANTIAGO — The Divine Word Missionaries in Chile have ushered in the new year with a renewed commitment to mission. On January 2, 2026, amidst an atmosphere of prayer and pastoral anticipation, the province celebrated...

SSD Mission: Accompanying the Afflicted Back to Their Homeland

The Divine Word Missionaries serving in the South Sudan Mission (SSD) are missionaries with a difference. They have set new standards in the missionary accompaniment of afflicted and displaced people. Their decade-long journey alongside the...

Catalyst Communities and the Growing Groups of Lay Associates in Botswana

The Botswana Province (BOT), with 33 confreres from 12 countries, carries out its mission mainly through pastoral and educational ministries. The province works within a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect....
Go to another article
SVDlogo_black
C L O S E