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Divine Word Missionaries
An international missionary congregation founded by St. Arnold Jassen. present in almost 80 countries around the world.
Who We Are
We are characterized by a deep commitment to intercultural living, dialogue, and collaboration. Inspired by the Word of God, we strive to build communities rooted in justice, peace, reconciliation, and the love of Christ. Our identity is marked by three core ministries: the proclamation of the Word, the promotion of justice and peace, and engagement in dialogue with people of different cultures and religions.
What We Are Doing
Our mission takes on a unique form. We serve in both urban and rural communities, often in challenging socio-economic and pastoral contexts. We work in parishes, schools, and formation houses, offering pastoral care, education, and spiritual formation. Through our presence, we accompany the people of God in their journey of faith and human development.
What defines us
Is our missionary spirit—crossing borders of language, culture, and geography to witness the transformative power of the Gospel. We live and serve as brothers from different parts of the world, united by our vocation and dedication to mission. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is rooted in the Word made flesh.
News
VIVAT INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR
The AFRAM JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) and VIVAT International seminar was held at the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria from 13 to 17 July 2026. Organised under the theme “Local Voices and Global Impact: Bringing African Communities to the UN through VIVAT International,” the event brought together representatives from seven Provincial/Regional Missions (PRMs) within the AFRAM zone.
The seminar reaffirmed and solidified active operational collaboration among member congregations, particularly within South Africa. Participating major congregations included:
- Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS)
- Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ)
- Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Dehonians / SCJ)
- Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary (MSHR)
- Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM)
- Brothers of Charity (BOC)
KEYNOTE REFLECTIONS & LOCAL CHALLENGES
The Social Crisis and Migration: In his keynote address, Fr. Stan, OP, highlighted the global social and political instability, focusing specifically on South Africa. He discussed how broken political and social systems have led to violent conflicts and xenophobic attack on migrants and illegal migrants. Consequently, a large number of foreign nationals have been driven out of the country and placed in repatriation centres that lacked proper infrastructure and basic provisions, leaving many to suffer through freezing winter nights. Fr. Stan urged participants to respond actively to this social crisis, read the signs of the times, and act as shepherds who care for their flocks by moving beyond the pulpit, on to the streets to become catalysts for positive change.
Human Trafficking and Grassroots Responses: Sr. Jane Francis Popina (Sisters of St. Paul) delivered a presentation addressing the severe challenges of human trafficking and the ongoing counter-trafficking responses led by Talitha Kum. Together, these opening presentations laid the groundwork for understanding local challenges and exploring how to serve as effective agents of the Gospel.
The VIVAT Mission Framework: Fr. Richard Quadros, SVD, and Sr. Greta Fernandas, SSpS, guided participants through the remainder of the seminar. They detailed the mission of VIVAT and demonstrated how effectively the organization advocates for human rights at the United Nations, sharing concrete examples of successful interventions in East Timor and Indonesia. These presentations helped participants formulate clear resolutions and strategic plans moving forward.
RESOLUTIONS AND ACTIONABLE COMMITMENTS
To execute the commitments made during the seminar, the assembly agreed on six concrete operational steps:
- Concrete District Action Plans (3-Month Mandate)
Each district and province must formulate a specific, realistic action plan within three months. These plans must include clear timeframes, measurable objectives, and concrete activities.
- Focused VIVAT Mission Mandate
VIVAT initiatives must complement and add distinct international value to existing diocesan pastoral programs, intentionally avoiding the duplication of local parish efforts.
- Priority Focus on Migration
Recognizing migration as a paramount regional issue, the assembly committed to:
- Raising migration awareness during parish meetings.
- Serving migrants with dignity and actively working to end financial exploitation.
- Strengthening NGO networks and addressing the root causes of displacement, such as poverty and unemployment.
- Promoting social cohesion and peaceful co-existence with host communities.
- Care for Creation (Laudato Si’)
Participants committed to implementing practical environmental projects, including tree planting, youth street theatre, environmental education, and monitoring environmental degradation. The assembly drew inspiration from the Archbishop of Johannesburg’s practice of planting a tree at every Confirmation ceremony.
- Extractive Industry & Mining Advocacy
Structured attention will be given within VIVAT’s reporting channels to document, monitor, and advocate against the destructive impacts of mining on vulnerable
- communities and local ecosystems.
- Alignment with VIVAT’s Core Pillars
All local action plans must align directly under VIVAT’s five core pillars: (1) Human Rights, (2) Poverty Eradication, (3) Women’s Empowerment, (4) Peace, and (5) Care for Creation.
VIVAT international Seminar was truly moment of reenergizing the members and ready to respond to the cries of the world with positive intent. It was also a time of renewing our commitment to VIVAT international.
Evening Prayer to begin 151 years of the SVD
On 7th of September in the evening, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Mother Mary, we, the Divine Word Missionaries, joyfully celebrate 151 years since the foundation of our Congregation.
St. Arnold Janssen entrusted his foundation to the loving care and protection of our Mother Mary. Following his example, the members of the Botswana Province gathered virtually to pray the First Evening Prayer and to begin this special celebration, united in prayer and thanksgiving.
As we celebrate 151 years of God’s faithfulness, we entrust our mission, our communities, and our future once again to God through the maternal care of Mary.
United in prayer, united in mission, and united to God. 
