Divine Stories
Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD (left) and a crew of volunteers help repair a local home in Gassaway, West Virginia.
There are two questions that donors never tire of asking charities such as ours. How did you use my donation? Did it make a difference in anyone’s life? We are posting these stories to answer these questions. We think you will like them. They are short and personal. The settings range from the South Side of Chicago to the “hollers” of West Virginia to the poor neighborhoods of Kingston, Jamaica. In every case, your generous support enabled our missionaries to touch the lives of people with the love of God. Thank you!
Honorary Degree for Divine Word Musicologist
Father Piotr Nawrot SVD, a musicologist who specializes in Mission Baroque received an honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of America (CUA) on May 11, 2024.
Mission Trip to Jamaica
In June 2023, SVD Vocation Director Fr. Tuan Hoang, SVD led an 8-day service trip to Jamaica. He was accompanied by three young adults who volunteered their time to help serve parishes and people in need on the island.
World Travels and Christianity in the World
“It is not easy being a missionary, but they [the people] animate our members,” said Father General Kleden, who served in Switzerland and Indonesia before his election to the General Council in Rome in 2012.
From Distrust to Awe
From distrust to awe, trucker converts to Catholicism in West Virginia.
Overseas Experience - A Time for Teaching and Learning
Seminarian Brian Junkes, SVD, the Florida native, recently completed his Cross-Cultural Training Program (CTP) in Chad and moved back to Chicago to complete his theology studies and formation towards the priesthood, but first he shared a little more about his time in Chad.
Baking With Heart in Antigua and Barbuda
I have the privilege of working with the Hispanic immigrant community on the beautiful islands of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. It has been both a joy and a challenge. While it brings me great joy to see the progress and success of our programs and spiritual care, it also can be difficult to witness the hardships that these diligent people face.
Religious Brothers Work With the People
Divine Word Missionary brothers are men committed to living Consecrated Life in response to a call from God. They focus on their God-given talents and share their gifts with others while engaged in a variety of ministries and Bro. Bernie Spitzley is one of them.
From Peace Corp to Missionary Life
Affinity for the marginalized led Divine Word priest to serve in three countries.
Relief from the Trauma of War
Father Andrew completed his theological formation in the Chicago Province and was ordained at Techny. Currently, he works in Uganda and provides assistance to families in the Bidi Bidi refugee camp.
