Activities

Society of the Divine Word: Spreading Light Across Continents

In a world filled with diversity and challenges, there exists a congregation that transcends borders, cultures, and languages to bring the light of God’s word to every corner of the globe. The Society of the Divine Word (Societas Verbi Divini – SVD), also known as the Divine Word Missionaries, is the Church’s largest exclusively missionary congregation. With nearly 6,000 priests, brothers, and seminarians in its ranks, they work tirelessly in 73 countries, spanning every continent.

A Divine Mission: Proclaiming the Word of God

According to our SVD Constitutions, the primary aim of the SVD is “to proclaim the word of God to all, to bring new communities into being within the people of God, to foster their growth, and to promote communion among them as well as within the whole church.” This noble mission guides their actions and inspires their tireless efforts.

A Tapestry of Missions

Irish and British SVD members find themselves in diverse and challenging situations across the globe. From working in the Amazon and Latin America to managing a leprosarium in Ghana, their roles vary greatly. They provide refuge for abandoned children and the elderly with severe disabilities in Argentina, oversee seminaries and universities in Papua New Guinea, and engage in pastoral work in Nairobi and São Paulo’s slums. In Nicaragua, they not only build roads but also bring electricity to remote areas. Despite the differences in their missions, one common thread runs through them all: the proclamation of the Gospel and the sharing of Christ’s love through Word and Sacrament.

A Legacy of Faith

Founded in Holland in 1875 by St. Arnold Janssen SVD, the Divine Word Missionaries set foot in Britain in 1931 and Ireland in 1939. They established seminaries, schools, and centers of learning that would shape the future of the Church in these regions. From St. Richard’s College in England to Donamon Castle in Ireland, their presence left an indelible mark.

A Beacon of Education

Many SVD houses in the Irish and British Province are centers of education and formation. With professors and lecturers working at university levels, they have trained countless priests and brothers from Ireland and beyond. The Divine Word Language School in Maynooth serves as a hub for language training, equipping missionaries for their service in English-speaking countries.

A New Apostolate: Serving the Local Church

While their traditional role remains crucial, the Irish and British Province has expanded its apostolate to serve the Church in Ireland. Their efforts are dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting personnel for overseas missions, ensuring the continuity of their mission while also engaging in pastoral work closer to home.

A Voice of Faith: Communications Apostolate

Communication has always been central to the SVD mission. Through The Word magazine and Kairos Communications, they have reached millions with messages of faith and inspiration. Kairos offers education in communications, collaborating with esteemed institutions like St. Patrick’s College and the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. The Divine Word Printing Press in Donamon is renowned for its meaningful Christmas and Mass cards, as well as its popular calendars.

A Biblical Journey: The Biblical Apostolate

The SVD’s commitment to the Bible takes the form of Scripture courses and Lectio Divina. Many confreres share the richness of the Bible through retreats in Ireland and England, all deeply rooted in scripture.

Serving the Communities: Pastoral Work

The SVD runs parishes in Dublin, Bristol, and London, providing chaplaincy services to hospitals and pastoral care for the elderly. Their pastoral care has extended to migrants in recent years, involving priests and brothers from around the world who come to serve in Ireland and Britain.

Working for a Better World: Justice, Peace, and Creation

The SVD’s dedication to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation is centered in Dublin. They work with NGOs, including their own NGO at the UN in New York, known as Vivat International. Their commitment to making the world a better place aligns with their mission to bring God’s love to all corners of the Earth.

In a world of constant change and turmoil, the Divine Word Missionaries stand as a beacon of hope, bridging gaps and spreading God’s message of love, peace, and unity. Their legacy continues to inspire and illuminate, guiding us toward a brighter future filled with faith and compassion.