Divine Word Missionaries

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The Divine Word Missionaries, also known as SVDs are members of the Society of the Divine Word (Latin: Societas Verbi Divini). They are an international order of Roman Catholic brothers, priests and seminarians numbering 6,102 members (as of 2006) working in 67 countries. Members usually live in multicultural communities reflecting their rich ethnic diversity.

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[edit] Society of the Divine Word

The Society of the Divine Word was founded by Saint Arnold Janssen on September 8, 1875 in Steyl, a small village in The Netherlands, just across the German border. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Saint Arnold Janssen also answered the need of the Church in his time by founding two other religious congregations for women; the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (active) and the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit for Perpetual Adoration (contemplative). At present there are more than 6,000 SVDs with 35 nationalities working in 67 countries worldwide.

"God's loving grace has gathered us from various peoples and continents into a religious missionary community dedicated to the Divine Word and named after him the Society of the Divine Word" (Prologue of the SVD Constitutions).

The ultimate purpose of their mission today is the same as it is has been since the time of their founder, "to proclaim the Kingdom of God's love" (Mark 1:14-15) as the common destiny of all humanity and the horizon toward which they travel. It is from the internal loving dialogue of the triune God that this mission emerges, a dialogue of love and forgiveness with all humanity. They do not invent their own mission -- it is Missio Dei -- they are called by the Father, sent by the Word and led by the Spirit.

They give witness to the Kingdom in a world deeply divided by belief, social class, culture and religion. And so they reach out to others in prophetic dialogue, seeking to bridge the divisions that keep human beings separated from one another and from God. Their mission in prophetic dialogue is at the service of communion and it points to the final manifestation of the Reign of God.

They understand dialogue as an attitude of solidarity, respect, and love that is to permeate all of their activities. In solidarity, they reach out to others to share their lives with them in their concrete situation. In respect, they reverence the uniqueness and the dignity of each person and of every human community. Above all, love binds them together in spite of their failings.

In prophetic dialogue, they especially commit themselves to people who are (1) faith-seekers and who have no community of faith, engaging in primary evangelization (missio ad gentes) and re-evangelization; (2) poor and marginalized, seeking to promote integral human development; (3) of different cultures so as to learn from and share in the diversity of gifts given by the God of Life; (4) of other Christian Churches, followers of other religious traditions, and those committed to diverse ideologies.

[edit] 16th SVD General Chapter

The SVDs, in their 16th General Chapter (04 June 06 - 08 July 06) have just re-elected Antonio M. Pernia, a Filipino, as the superior general for the next six years.

[edit] SVD Missions

See: List of SVD Missions The SVD missionaries work primarily where the Gospel has not been preached at all, or only insufficiently, and where the local Church is not yet viable on its own. The SVD's membership reflects the international nature of the congregation and representative of the areas of the world they serve. The SVD missionaries serve according to the needs of the local Church and the particular expertise they bring to the task.

In Asia, the SVDs are involved in education, especially in the Philippines and Japan. They are also involved in pastoral and developmental work, and other specialized ministries such as Bible apostolate, the youth, communications, and refugee apostolate in Africa and South America. Their work in the United States involves the minority communities, especially African-American and Hispanic communities, as well as, poor areas such as Appalachia.

Also see: List of SVD Schools

[edit] SVD in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the Divine Word Missionaries arrived in Bangued, Abra in 1909, founding schools in Bangued, Vigan in Ilocos Sur, and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, as well as other parts of the Philippines. Today, it is evident that the missionary grains planted by Saint Arnold on the Philippine soil is now bearing hundreds of fruits. Now, there are more than 500 Filipino SVDs and around 120 of them are working abroad.

In the Philippines, the SVD has three ecclesiastical provinces, namely: the Philippine North (PHN) that comprises missionary works of Pangasinan to Aparri; the Philippine Central (PHC) that covers Tarlac, Manila, Mindoro, Bicol and Palawan; and the Philippine South (PHS) who are present in the Visayas and Mindanao islands.

[edit] SVD Philippine Southern Province

The SVD Philippine Southern Province works on three (3) areas: Formation, Education and Pastoral ministries.

On Formation, young candidates for the priesthood are trained in the Divine Word Formation Center in Davao City while seminarians for brotherhood are form in the Freinademetz Formation House in Cebu City.

On Education, the SVDs run the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City, Bohol and the Liceo del Verbo Divino (formerly Divine Word University) in Tacloban City, Leyte.

On Pastoral Ministries, the SVDs have 1 parish in Cebu City, 5 parishes in Surigao del Norte, 6 in Agusan del Sur and 2 in Zamboanga, Sibugay ? Olutanga Island. They manage Radio Stations, the Steyler Canteen, Catholic Trade Cebu, Inc. and a Retreat House. They also work on cooperatives, adopted communities, depressed areas and dialogue with faith seekers and other religions.

Their Vision Statement is as follows: "We, members of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), an international religious-missionary congregation of brothers and priest, founded by Saint Arnold Janssen and named after the Divine Word, envision a world where dialogue is possible because people, inspired by the Word of God and empowered by the Spirit, respect the uniqueness of each person and accept all nations and peoples."

Finally, their Mission Statement says: "As confreres belonging to the SVD Province of the Southern Philippines, we promote and integrate in our lives and apostolates the following: Bible; Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation; Mission Animation; and Communication."

[edit] SVD in Botswana

In all of Africa, Botswana is one of the last truly wild places where spectacular wildlife is still abundant. Botswana is a unique success story of Africa. It is a democratic country with political stability, constant development and modern facilities.[1]

[edit] Catholic Safaris

"Catholic Safaris" is a safari with a difference: While enjoying your safari, you support Divine Word Missionaries in Botswana. Your holiday helps our mission stay alive.

In Botswana, we realize that we can utilize local possibilities to support the mission of the Church. In recent years, the country has become the prime safari destination for thousands of people from around the world. Most book their trips with western tour operators outside Botswana. The money stays outside the country and supports few individuals.

"Catholic Safaris" is not a business but a self-reliance project. Its main purpose is to provide financial support for missionary activities, including the spiritual and pastoral facility in Maun called "Lefoko Centre." The center serves the immense Catholic mission territory of the northern and western parts of Botswana. A well developed safari and tourism infrastructure and professional guiding will make your adventure safe and enjoyable.

[edit] References

Divine Word Missionaries, SVD Mission 2006: Province Reports for the XVI General Chapter Rome: SVD Publications-Generalate, 2006), edited from backcover text.

[edit] External links

Bohol Portal