Our New Leadership Team

Our New Leadership Team

Divine Word Missionaries Elect New Leaders at 19th General Chapter. Over 150 delegates gathered in Nemi, Italy, for critical discussions and leadership elections. They also met with Pope Francis, who urged them to spread peace and hope globally.

Divine Word Missionaries General Chapter hold every six years meeting that is intended to address issues, assess advancements, and strategize for what lies ahead. Summer 2024 marked the congregation’s 19th General Chapter as more than 150 delegate members from all over the world gathered in Nemi, Italy, for this important, month-long meeting. 

The group also cast their votes to elect new leaders who will serve from 2024-2030. 
Those elected include:

• Fr. Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD, Superior General
• Fr. Xavier Thirukudumbam, SVD, Vice Superior General
• Bro. Michael Ertl, SVD, General Councilor
• Fr. Yulius Yasinto, SVD, General Councilor
• Fr. Eryk Koppa, SVD, General Councilor
• Fr. Fabian Mate Kalaluka, SVD, General Councilor
• Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, General Councilor

Fr. Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD, was elected to the office of the congregation's Superior General, succeeding Fr. Paulus Budi Kleden, who was recently named Archbishop of Ende in Indonesia. Prior to his installment as Superior General, Fr. Ribeiro served as Provincial Councilor in the Province of Brazil North. He professed First Vows in 1999, Perpetual Vows in 2004 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2005.

Members of the General Chapter participated in an audience with Pope Francis

General Chapter attendees had the honor of meeting with Pope Francis, who delivered an important message to the members of the missionary congregation. He invited them to champion peace and hope across the globe, noting it’s especially important in a world “scarred by conflicts, wars, the destruction of the environment, violent acts against human life and dignity, fundamentalist ideologies, and many other wounds.”

The Pope emphasized the need for prophets of hope across all cultures. Today, nearly 6,000 Divine Word Missionaries are serving in about 80 countries around the world, making them “experts in inculturation,” according to Pope Francis. “God’s Word generates, gives life, inspires, and motivates; it is the focal point of your mission,” he said. However, he also urged caution in navigating the internet and social media, warning that uncritical engagement with these platforms could impact people's lifestyles and values.

Welcoming a new Superior General

During the closing of the 19th Chapter, a Thanksgiving Liturgy was held to install and commission Fr. Ribeiro as the new Superior General.

The outgoing Superior General, Fr. Kleden, delivered a moving sermon, highlighting the missionary purpose of being prophets, brothers, and collaborators. He highlighted the responsibility of the new leadership in steering the Society toward these principles, emphasizing the significance of a synodal and collaborative approach that values the input of every member.

Father Ribeiro expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing Council and asked for prayers for the new leadership.

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