Society
Of The Divine Word

Following the zone meetings of the ASPAC Zone 2019 and the AFRAM Zone 2022, the SVD laity from Europe now met to network and further develop their cooperation with the SVD. The group was welcomed by Fr Peter Claver Narh SVD, Provincial of the German SVD Province, who also brought greetings from the Zone President Fr Marek Vanus SVD. The meeting was led by zonal coordinator Fr Franz Helm SVD and zonal mission secretary Fr Xavier Alangaram SVD, who was responsible for most of the organization. The meeting was characterized by prayers, presentations and discussions. There was still time for a short trip to Cologne Cathedral and a cultural evening with songs and dances from all seven countries plus the Philippines for some participants have their roots there. The highlight was the one-day trip to Steyl, where, in addition to the Steylers in the St Michael Mission House, the Blue and Pink Sisters were also visited in their motherhouses.

Thursday and Friday were characterized by lectures followed by an exchange of thoughts and ideas in small groups or in the group as a whole. General Mission Secretary Fr Marcelo Cattaneo SVD spoke on ‘SVD Mission and Lay Partners’, Fr Wojeciech Szypula SVD on ‘A Symphony of the Word; SVD Lay Partners and the Holy Scriptures’, Fr Franz Helm SVD on ‘How do we practice our SVD-Charism – JPIC in our life?’, Fr Martin Üffing SVD on ‘Mission Animation in Europe’ and Fr. Xavier Alangaram SVD on “Lay Partner and Fundraising”.  It became clear in all the presentations and following discussions that this is not about the mission of the SVD or the Church, but about God’s mission, his way to people. We can follow and shape this way because we are ‘gifted to give’ by him. The task of God’s mission is a common task for all and not a clerical prerogative. It is also implemented ‘globally’, locally from a global perspective. National differences became clear in the discussions, but above all the participants learnt about the great commitment and wealth of ideas as well as the desire and will to make a difference together for the good of the people.

The group spent the last day together in Steyl, where Fr Jürgen Ommerborn SVD gave a brief overview of the beginnings in Steyl. He emphasised the important role of the laity in the founding of the mission house and the development of the SVD. He also celebrated a Holy Mass with the group in the oratory of St Michael’s Mission House at the end of the day. In addition to a guided tour of the house and garden, the group took the opportunity to get to know the motherhouses of the Steyl Missionary Sisters and the Adoration Sisters. All the encounters of the day, especially the dialogue with two Adoration Sisters, were an inspiration and motivation for everyone.

‘Met – and now what?’ This question was clearly answered before the departure on Saturday afternoon: The SVD laypeople will continue to meet at European level, exchange ideas and network. The first meeting will be held online on 10th September 2025. In just a few days, a group was formed that got on well and is travelling in Europe in the spirit of Arnold Janssen and the founding generation.

„Thank you for everything that we have shared during the meeting on this few days. GOD BLESS US ALWAYS.“