Grateful for 150 years of service to God's people

By Fr. Adam Oleszczuk, Provincial of the Chicago Province


Grateful for 150 years of service to God's people.

On Sunday, Sept150 Anniversary Logo_no words.pngember 8th, the Society of the Divine Word also known as Divine Word Missionaries, began celebrating the 150th anniversary of its foundation.

This significant milestone is worth commemorating as it provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the rich history and impactful contributions we have made to the Church’s mission worldwide.

St Arnold Janssen.jpgFounded in 1875 by Saint Arnold Janssen in the Netherlands, the Society of the Divine Word has dedicated itself to spreading the Word of God and ministering to God’s people across more than 80 countries spanning six continents.

In the last 150 years, tens of thousands of members of the Society of the Divine Word have responded to God’s call and worked tirelessly sharing God’s love and promoting peace, justice and reconciliation in diverse cultural contexts around the world.

From building churches and establishing schools and hospitals to advocating for social justice and human rights, the Society of the Divine Word has truly made a significant impact on the lives of many.

TFirst-Class.jpghis anniversary also serves as a testament to the dedication and support of thousands of benefactors who have contributed significantly to the successes of our missionary work over these years. Without the generosity and commitment of these benefactors, many of the impactful ideas and projects undertaken by the Divine Word Missionaries would not have been possible.

We are so thankful to all of you for your financial contributions, prayers and support that have not only enabled us to sustain and grow our ministries all over the world but also have impacted the lives of many people.

On our 150th anniversary, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of you who have stood by our side, offering support and resources for our mission.

1876-Construction-of-the-first-house.jpgMoving forward, we hope to continue collaborations that will sustain our mission and create positive change in the world.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, special events, ceremonies, and initiatives are being planned to honor our founding generation and to thank God for all the blessings that He has bestowed on the Society of the Divine Word.

May looking back on the past with appreciation give us the courage to walk forward to the future with renewed dedication and purpose.

Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission.

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