15/08/2026
Mission Update from Netherlands:
For one week in July, 23 young Divine Word Missionaries serving across Europe gathered at the Motherhouse in Steyl, Holland, where St. Arnold Janssen founded the Society of the Divine Word in 1875.
Coming from different nations, cultures and missionary assignments, these young men gathered at the place where our founder's missionary dream first took shape. The meeting offered them an opportunity to deepen their missionary identity, strengthen intercultural fraternity and reflect on the realities of mission in Europe.
The gathering was coordinated by Father Franz Helm SVD, Europe zonal coordinator, aided by Father Avin Kunnekkadan SVD and Father George Adzato SVD.
The week unfolded as a journey of prayer, learning and encounter. The missionaries began by getting to know one another before setting out on a pilgrimage to Goch, Germany, the birthplace of St. Arnold Janssen, and to the Marian shrine of Kevelaer, also in Germany.
Formation sessions challenged participants to reflect on what it means to witness to the Gospel in contemporary Europe. Father Dennis Manzana SVD led reflections on Arnold Janssen’s spirituality for today’s mission, while Father Xavier Alangaram SVD led discussions on intercultural community living and missionary service.
After the gathering concluded with reflection and the celebration of the Eucharist, the missionaries returned to their provinces carrying more than memories of Steyl. They left with renewed friendships, a stronger sense of fraternity and a deeper appreciation of the charism that has united our congregation for more than 150 years.
Visiting the place where our congregation began reminded them that every Divine Word Missionary's journey, no matter where it leads, draws its strength from the founding vision of St. Arnold Janssen: to proclaim the Word of God with faith, courage and joy among all peoples.
(Courtesy https://hubs.ly/Q04sbg-30)
To learn more about the work of Divine Word Missionaries in Europe and around the world, please visit https://hubs.ly/Q04sbjcz0.
