THE CONTRIBUTION
OF THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD
TO CHURCH HISTORY:
150 YEARS OF PRESENCE AND MISSION (1875–2025)
I. The Beginning of an
International Missionary Congregation
Fr. Arnold was
convinced of the need for a religious congregation dedicated specifically to
missionary service. This was not only a faithful response to the call of the
Gospel but also an effective way to bring the light of faith to distant lands,
especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Thus, the Society of the Divine
Word was born as an international missionary congregation with the mission ad
gentes—to be sent to those who had not yet believed in Christ.
With the motto “Verbum
Domini manet in aeternum – The Word of the Lord endures forever”, the
congregation’s missionary spirituality has been rooted in living, absorbing,
and sharing the Word of God with all peoples. From its earliest years, Divine
Word Missionaries set out to distant mission fields—China, Togo, Papua New
Guinea, Brazil, and many other places where the Gospel had not yet been heard.
A unique
characteristic of the Society from its very beginnings was its international
spirit and commitment to inculturation. Missionary formation centers were
established to welcome candidates from different nations and prepare them to be
missionaries ready to be sent anywhere in the world. This international outlook
and cultural adaptability became—and remain—hallmarks of the Divine Word
Missionaries from the start until today.
II. Missionary Identity:
Proclaiming the Gospel through Presence, Dialogue, and Service
Divine Word
Missionaries are carefully trained to learn the local language, understand the
customs and traditions of the people, and build trusting relationships with the
communities to which they are sent. This missionary approach has a distinctive
character: not imposing, but accompanying; not only teaching, but also
listening and bearing witness through humble service.
One of the
striking marks of the Society’s mission is its strong presence in
multi-religious contexts such as India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea,
and many African nations. In these settings, SVD missionaries proclaim the
Gospel not only with words, but also with a life of humility, closeness to the
poor, solidarity, and a commitment to fostering communion among different
religious traditions.
This vision is
also affirmed in the documents of the Church. The Synod of Bishops on Mission
(1971) and the Decree Ad Gentes of the Second Vatican Council emphasized
the need for missionaries specially prepared for interreligious dialogue and
cultural adaptation—missionaries capable of living with followers of other
religions in sincerity, respect, and mutual enrichment (Ad Gentes, no.
11).
In this way, the
Society of the Divine Word stands as a living witness to the Church’s new
missionary paradigm: to proclaim the Gospel not only by preaching, but through presence,
dialogue, and service in the spirit of Christian charity.
III. The Contribution to the
Universal Church
1. Mission at the Peripheries
Faithful to its
mission “to be sent to those who do not yet know Christ,” Divine Word
Missionaries often choose to serve in remote regions, forgotten communities,
and among minority groups. In Asia, the Society has a strong missionary
presence in China, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and many other
countries, where the task of evangelization requires flexible adaptation to
languages, cultures, and complex religious contexts.
2. Contribution to Interreligious
Dialogue and Inculturation
The missionary
approach of the SVD is not based on imposition or cultural assimilation, but on
respecting and valuing local religious and cultural traditions. In their
missionary journey, Divine Word Missionaries learn to listen to the “religious
soul” of the people, to recognize the “seeds of the Word” (semina Verbi)
present in other faith traditions, and to engage in dialogue with humility,
respect, and Christian charity.
Nourished by a
spirituality rooted in prayer, study, and cultural immersion, the Society of
the Divine Word has become one of the pioneering forces of modern mission,
contributing to the building of a more human, fraternal, and deeply united
world among religions and cultures.
III. The Presence of the Divine
Word Missionaries in Vietnam
1. A Milestone in the Birth of the
Province
2. Growth in Membership and Mission
Under the loving
providence of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Province has
steadily grown in numbers, spiritual life, and missionary depth. Today, the
Province counts about 200 members, from novices to perpetually professed
missionaries, serving in 13 dioceses and numerous mission areas across the
country.
Beyond national
borders, the Province has also embraced its international missionary vocation.
More than 100 Vietnamese Divine Word Missionaries have been sent abroad to
evangelize, study, and serve in various countries, continuing the mandate of
Christ: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature”
(Mk 16:15).
3. Main Pastoral Ministries
In the spirit of
living and sharing the Word of God, the Province of Vietnam is currently
engaged in a wide range of pastoral ministries, including:
·
Ministry
among ethnic minorities in remote and underserved regions;
·
Parish
ministry and pastoral care for migrants;
·
Accompaniment
of youth and students, especially in large urban centers;
·
Biblical
Apostolate, fostering a deeper love and understanding of God’s Word in
communities;
·
Care
and formation for orphans and disadvantaged children.
4. Spirituality and Charism of
Mission
5. A Journey of Growth and Maturity
After more than 27
years of presence and development, the Divine Word Missionaries in Vietnam
continue to grow, becoming an ever more vibrant part of the life of the Church.
The Province stands as both a sign of hope and a source of missionary energy,
serving not only the local Church in Vietnam but also contributing generously
to the missionary mandate of the Universal Church today.
IV. Notable Figures of the Society
of the Divine Word (SVD)
They were not only
zealous missionaries sent to the ends of the earth, but also learned scholars,
wise pastors, cultural pioneers, and living witnesses of the Gospel in the
heart of the world. Through their holiness, their intellectual depth, and their
spirit of service, they have illuminated the spirituality and mission of the
Society, leaving behind a rich legacy for the Universal Church and for the
local communities where they served.
1. Saint Arnold Janssen (1837–1909)
– Founder of the Society of the Divine Word
Yet his vision did
not stop there. With missionary foresight, he went on to establish:
·
The
Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) in 1889, to
collaborate directly in mission service;
·
The
Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (SSpSAP) in 1896, to sustain and envelop
the missionary task with the power of prayer and contemplative life.
Arnold was a
pioneer in the systematic formation of missionaries, stressing the importance
of:
·
Prayer
as the essential source of strength,
·
Study
and scientific research as vital preparation for mission,
·
Inculturation
so that the Gospel might take root among the peoples,
·
And
love for those who did not yet know Christ as the very heart of missionary
zeal.
With a vision far
ahead of his time, Arnold Janssen became a father, teacher, and pathfinder of
Gospel witness for the modern Church. His works and legacy were not confined to
one congregation but grew into a worldwide missionary movement within the
Universal Church.
On October 5, 2003,
Pope John Paul II canonized Arnold Janssen, solemnly affirming his holiness and
his extraordinary missionary charism in founding not only an international
missionary society, but also two congregations of missionary sisters dedicated
to sharing in the same task of evangelization.
2. Saint Joseph Freinademetz (1852–1908) – Pioneer Missionary to China
With humility and
zeal, he quickly learned the Chinese language, lived simply among the people,
and fully immersed himself in their culture. He did not see himself as a
“foreigner sent to preach,” but as “a Chinese person who bore the Christian
faith.” Through love, closeness, and service, he sowed the seeds of the Gospel
not so much by words, but above all by the testimony of his life.
During outbreaks
of deadly epidemics, Joseph did not abandon his flock. Instead, he remained
with them, caring for the sick, consoling the afflicted, and sharing in their
suffering. This faithful dedication led to his death in 1908 at the age of only
56.
His holiness and
courageous witness became a shining model for future generations of
missionaries: inculturation, loving service, and fidelity to the flock until
the very end. On October 5, 2003, Pope John Paul II canonized Joseph
Freinademetz, SVD, together with the Founder, Saint Arnold Janssen, solemnly
affirming in him the image of a missionary who truly “lived with, lived among,
and lived for” God’s people in China.
3. Cardinal Thomas Tien Keng-hsin, SVD (1890–1967) – A Sign of the Church’s Universality
Born in 1890 in
Hebei Province, China, he entered the Society of the Divine Word and was sent
to Europe for formation, being ordained a priest in 1918. In 1939, he was
appointed Bishop of Qingdao, and in 1942, Bishop of Daming. In 1946, when Pope
Pius XII formally established the Church hierarchy in China, Bishop Tien was
elevated to the College of Cardinals and named Archbishop of Beijing.
With love for both
the Church and his homeland, Cardinal Tien courageously shepherded his flock
amid the political and social turmoil of mid-20th century China. After 1949,
due to political upheaval, he was forced into exile, but he remained
steadfastly faithful to his pastoral mission, tirelessly caring for Chinese
Catholic communities abroad.
Cardinal Thomas
Tien stands as a pioneering witness of the inculturation of the Gospel in Asian
culture and a vivid sign of the universality and diversity in unity of the
Catholic Church. His life reflects the very heart of the Society of the Divine
Word’s mission: “to proclaim the Good News to all peoples” through
steadfast presence, faithful witness, and tireless service.
4. Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi,
SVD – The Compassionate Voice of the Divine Word
Cardinal Tarcisio
Isao Kikuchi, SVD, currently serves as Archbishop of Tokyo, Japan, and as President
of Caritas Internationalis—making him one of the most influential Asian pastors
in the Universal Church today.
Born in 1958 in
Miyako, Japan, he entered the Society of the Divine Word and was ordained a
priest in 1986. After ordination, he was sent as a missionary to Ghana, Africa,
where he lived closely among the poor and shared in the struggles of
marginalized communities. This missionary experience shaped him into a shepherd
marked by humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice.
Today, as
President of Caritas Internationalis, Cardinal Kikuchi has become a strong
voice of the Church in defense of the poor, migrants, and marginalized
communities, helping to shape the Church’s global pastoral response to social
challenges.
In 2025, he
participated in the Conclave of Cardinals as one of two SVD Cardinals who
contributed to the election of Pope Leo XIV. His presence at this historic
moment was a powerful sign of the growing contribution of the Asian Church and
the international role of the Society of the Divine Word within the life of the
Universal Church.
5. Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, SVD – A
Missionary Presence in the Church of Serbia
As the first
Cardinal from Serbia, he stands as a living witness to the missionary spirit
and cultural engagement of the Divine Word Missionaries in Europe—a continent
once considered the cradle of Christianity, yet today facing many challenges of
faith and evangelization.
Throughout his
ministry as priest and bishop, Cardinal Nemet has served in various countries,
including the Philippines, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary. Wherever he has been
sent, he has shown himself to be a pastor who is open, dialogical, and
committed to service, building bridges between different cultural and religious
traditions.
His participation
in the 2025 Conclave, alongside Cardinal Tarcisio Kikuchi, highlighted not only
the international role of the Society of the Divine Word, but also the enduring
value of a missionary presence that is humble yet steadfast, quiet yet
profoundly effective. Cardinal Nemet’s life is a concrete embodiment of the SVD
spirit: to proclaim the Gospel through communion, dialogue, and service in the
heart of the Universal Church today..
6. Fr. Antonio M. Pernia, SVD – The
First Asian Superior General
With a solid
theological foundation and a broad missionary vision, Fr. Pernia guided the
Society into the 21st century in a context of globalization, multiculturalism,
and interreligious dialogue. He emphasized the reorientation of the missionary
mandate, helping the Society adapt to the new challenges of the modern world.
During his leadership, he strongly promoted:
·
Inculturation,
so that the Gospel might take deep root in every people;
·
Interreligious
dialogue, as an essential path for building peace and mutual understanding;
·
International
formation, preparing future missionaries to serve effectively in a global and
intercultural environment.
Under his
leadership, the Society’s presence grew stronger in Asia, Africa, and Latin
America, while making significant contributions to the Universal Church through
pastoral initiatives and academic engagement.
Beyond his role as
Superior General, Fr. Pernia became a familiar voice at Synods of Bishops and
international theological forums, where he offered a missionary vision enriched
by the perspectives and experiences of Asia.
After completing
his terms of service, he has continued to teach, accompany in pastoral
ministry, and form younger generations of missionaries, ensuring that the charism
of the Divine Word remains vibrant and relevant in the life of the Church today.
7. Fr. Heinz Kulüke, SVD – A
Friend of the Poor
Fr. Kulüke was not
only a presence of companionship but also a man of concrete action. He founded
organizations to support the poor and promoted initiatives in education,
healthcare, and human rights for marginalized communities.
Holding a
doctorate in philosophy, he combined the depth of an intellectual with the
heart of a pastor, carrying within him profound compassion for the vulnerable.
His years living among the poor gave him a missionary spirituality deeply
rooted in human dignity and social justice.
As Superior
General, Fr. Kulüke particularly emphasized:
·
Social
justice as an integral dimension of mission;
·
Care
for creation in the face of global climate change;
·
A
mission from the margins, where the Church is called to be humbly present and
to serve quietly yet faithfully.
His simple,
humble, and dedicated lifestyle remains a living example of Divine Word
spirituality in today’s world—a spirituality grounded in the Gospel of Christ,
expressed in solidarity with, and love for, the least of our brothers and
sisters.
8. Distinguished Scholars and
Missionaries in Asia and Vietnam
These men have not
only dedicated themselves to serving in distant mission fields but have also
played crucial roles in theological formation, interreligious dialogue, and
cultural inculturation—areas especially vital in Asia, with its rich diversity
of faiths, cultures, and traditions.
In Vietnam, many
SVD priests have:
·
Taught
at Major Seminaries and Theological Institutes;
·
Served
on the theological, liturgical, and missionary commissions of the Bishops’
Conference;
·
Produced
significant research on Asian theology, local culture, and interreligious
dialogue.
Notably, SVD
scholars and missionaries have made important contributions to building bridges
of dialogue between Christianity and major religions in Asia, such as Buddhism
and Confucianism, as well as with traditional faith practices in Vietnam.
This academic and
pastoral presence is not only professional but also deeply imbued with the
spirit of humility, service, and fidelity to the mission of “proclaiming the
Word of God” within cultures. Through this, the Society of the Divine Word
continues to be a dynamic and influential missionary force, contributing
actively to the Church’s mission across Asia today.
V. 150 Years – A Journey of
Fidelity and Hope
For a century and
a half, countless Divine Word Missionaries have given their youth, their
energy, and even their lives to bring the Gospel to distant lands where Christ
was not yet known. These hidden sacrifices are living testimonies of fidelity
to the missionary calling first inspired by Saint Arnold Janssen.
1. Formation and Scholarship – A
Solid Foundation for Mission
Notable
international centers such as Nemi (Italy), Tagaytay (Philippines), and St.
Gabriel (Austria) have become gathering places for scholars, students, and
seekers of truth. From these centers, generations of
missionaries—international, intercultural, and deeply formed—have been
thoroughly prepared in theology, anthropology, languages, and cultural
engagement, and sent forth to serve throughout the world.
2. Looking to the Future with Hope
The commemoration
of 150 years is not only an opportunity to look back with gratitude, but also a
call to move forward with renewed hope and ongoing renewal. Nourished by the
spirituality of the Word and driven by a missionary passion, the Divine Word
Missionaries today remain faithful to Christ’s mandate: “Go into all the
world and proclaim the Good News to all creation” (Mk 16:15), confident
that “The Word of the Lord endures forever” (Verbum Domini manet in
aeternum).
With this
conviction, the Society of the Divine Word continues its journey of fidelity
and hope, courageously engaging in mission amid a world marked by religious
diversity, cultural pluralism, and rapid change—so that the Word of God may
remain forever the light and strength of mission, both today and for
generations to come.
VI.
Conclusion: The Divine Word Missionaries – Faithful in Change, Creative in
Mission
Its fidelity to
the spirituality of the Word, combined with a readiness to adapt to the
challenges of each era, has enabled the Society to continually renew its ways
of mission, while never abandoning its core identity of holiness, communion,
and missionary zeal in the footsteps of Saint Arnold Janssen.
May the Society of
the Divine Word remain ever faithful to its missionary vocation, bearing
witness to the truth of salvation so that “The Word became flesh and dwelt
among us” (Jn 1:14) may not only be proclaimed but also lived and bear
fruit among all peoples and cultures.
May the journey of
the Society in the 21st century continue to shine like a lamp set on a stand,
radiating the light of truth, love, and salvation in Jesus Christ—the living
Word of God.
The Society of the
Divine Word has been, is, and will continue to be an integral part of the missionary
mandate of the Universal Church, through its respect for cultures, its
promotion of interreligious dialogue, and its concrete solidarity with the poor
and forgotten. Its spiritual legacy remains a clear reminder for the Church
today: mission is not only about preaching, but about a life permeated with the
love of Christ.
Philippines, on
the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word,
Fr.
Anthony Trần Xuân Sang, SVD.