Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 16: The sesquicentennial jubilee celebrations of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) concluded in a grand and deeply prayerful manner at the SVD House grounds on January 15 with a solemn Holy Eucharist presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru. More than one thousand devotees gathered to witness the spiritually enriching event.
The Holy Mass was followed by a stage play depicting the 150-year journey of the SVD in spreading the light of Christ to different parts of the world. The play was enacted by SVD priests, diocesan priests and members of the Divine Intercessory Prayer Partners. Cultural dances and comedy performances were also staged, keeping the audience engaged.
Societas Verbi Divini, a Latin term meaning Society of the Divine Word, was founded by St Arnold Janssen in 1875 with the vision, “May the heart of Lord Jesus live in the hearts of all.” The religious society was established during a difficult historical period marked by the Kulturkampf in Germany. Despite these challenges, the congregation grew rapidly and today comprises 5,754 priests and brothers serving in 76 countries.
The members of the SVD run schools, institutions and parishes, and are actively involved in providing education, social security and justice to dalits, tribals and the oppressed. They also manage orphanages, shelter homes, basic medical facilities in rural areas and engage in spiritual ministry, working without discrimination of caste, creed or religion.
St Arnold Janssen also founded two congregations for women — the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) and the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit for Perpetual Adoration (SSpSAP) — to support the mission of the SVD, particularly in remote regions of the world.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha highlighted the pioneering work carried out by the SVD in remote villages of India, Africa, China, South America and other regions where basic infrastructure was absent. He noted that the contribution of the SVD to the poorest of the poor over the last 150 years has been widely appreciated across the world. The congregation continues to work with dedication to fulfil its vision of witnessing to the light of Christ everywhere and for everyone.
The Divine Call Retreat Centre at Mulki, managed by SVD priests, is a well-known centre for charismatic renewal, offering online programmes as well as residential retreats. The congregation also runs a minor seminary at Kirem Damaskatte along with Arnold Nivas, a home for senior citizens. SVD priests actively assist diocesan priests in pastoral ministry with commitment and zeal.
The celebrations concluded in an atmosphere of deep spiritual devotion, gratitude, fellowship and community spirit.