Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) Philippine Southern Province -Updated Version

Summary

The Societas Verbi Divini (SVD), founded by Saint Arnold Janssen in 1875, is a global congregation of missionary priests and brothers dedicated to spreading the Gospel in frontier missions. It has grown into the Catholic Church's largest international missionary congregation with 6,023 members in over 80 countries. In the Philippines, SVD missionaries have established ecclesiastical provinces, educational institutions, and pastoral ministries, including addressing the needs of the marginalized. The SVD promotes dialogue, respect for uniqueness, and the acceptance of all peoples, striving to make God's love visible through their diverse community.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The SVD (Societas Verbi Divini) is an international congregation of religious missionary priests and brothers.
• 🎓 Founded by Saint Arnold Janssen on September 8, 1875, in Steyl, Holland, the SVD focuses on frontier missions.
• 🌱 Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Saint Arnold also founded two other religious women congregations: the Blue Sisters and the Pink Sisters.
• 📈 As of 2020, the SVD is the largest international missionary congregation in the Catholic Church, with 6,023 members.
• 🌐 Members of the SVD work in over 80 countries, striving to make God's love visible in their lives and service.
• 🔗 The SVD is ethnically diverse, seeking unity through shared prayer, Eucharist, and listening to the Word of God.
• 🇵🇭 In the Philippines, the Divine Word missionaries arrived in 1909 and are now present in various regions, including Abra, Vigan, and others.
• 🏫 The SVD operates educational institutions such as the University of San Carlos, Holy Name University, and Lyceo del Verbo Divino.
• 🏛️ The Philippine Southern Province of the SVD focuses on formation, education, and pastoral ministry, including addressing concerns of the marginalized.
• 🌟 The SVD's vision is to promote dialogue and respect for all peoples, inspired by the Word of God and empowered by the Spirit.

Q & A

What is the full form of 'SVD'?

SVD stands for Societas Verbi Divini, which is an international congregation of religious missionary priests and brothers.

Who founded the SVD and when was it established?

The SVD was founded by Saint Arnold Janssen on September 8, 1875, in Steyl, Holland.

What type of missions do SVD missionaries primarily work in?

SVD missionaries work primarily in frontier missions where the gospel has not been preached and where the local church is not yet viable on its own.

What are the two other religious women congregations founded by Saint Arnold Janssen?

The two other religious women congregations founded by Saint Arnold Janssen are the Missionary Sisters Servant of the Holy Spirit (known as the Blue Sisters) and the Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (known as the Pink Sisters).

How many members does the SVD have as of 2020?

As of 2020, the SVD has 6,023 members composed of priests and religious brothers.

In which year did the Divine Word Missionaries arrive in the Philippines?

The Divine Word Missionaries arrived in the Philippines in 1909.

What are the three ecclesiastical provinces of the SVD in the Philippines?

The three ecclesiastical provinces of the SVD in the Philippines are the Philippine North, the Philippine Central, and the Philippine South.

What are the three main areas of work for the SVD Philippine Southern Province?

The three main areas of work for the SVD Philippine Southern Province are formation, education, and pastoral ministry.

Which universities are run by the SVD in the Philippines?

The SVD runs the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City, and Lyceo del Verbo Divino in Tacloban City.

What are some of the pastoral ministries the SVD is involved in?

The SVD is involved in parish ministries, JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation), which addresses concerns of sexually abused children, indigenous people, and the poor and marginalized, managing radio stations, and hospital ministries.

What is the vision of the members of the Society of the Divine Word?

The vision of the members of the Society of the Divine Word is 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.