The SVD: Precious is the Life Given for Mission

Precious is the life given for the mission. In 1875, St. Arnold Janssen founded the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), “in a time when everything seemed collapsing in Europe and when the Catholic Church in Germany was persecuted. But God’s will through St. Arnold prevailed. Today, the SVD, also known as Divine Word Missionaries, has grown into the largest missionary congregation in the Catholic Church.

At present, there are about 6000 SVDs hailing from 76 countries, working in 79 countries, reaching out to everyone, in respectful dialogue with faith-seekers, with people who are poor and marginalized, and with people of other cultures and religious traditions; to be witnesses of God’s love especially among the least, the lost and the last.

Firmly rooted in Jesus, the Divine Word incarnate and committed to His mission, the SVDs live and have dedicated their lives to where they are sent as missionaries, bringing hope and healing in our wounded world; that all people may open their hearts and share in God’s love.