Divine Word Missionaries across the Australia Province celebrated the feast days of two SVD saints – St Arnold Janssen and St Joseph Freinademetz this month – and for the first time, the SVD founder’s feast was celebrated in the Tiwi Islands.

The SVD, founded by St Arnold in Steyl, Holland in 1875, took up ministry at Our Lady of Peace and St Theresa’s Parish on Bathurst Island last August, following decades of pastoral ministry there by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

Fr Paulo Vatunitu SVD and Fr Niran Veigas SVD have been assigned to this ministry with the Tiwi people.

St Arnold’s feast day was on January 15, the date of his death in 1909. He was the founder of the Society of the Divine Word, as well as two orders of Religious Women, the Servant Sisters of the Holy Spirit and the Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration.

Fr Paulo says the founder’s feast day was celebrated with reverence and dancing on Bathurst Island.

“St Theresa’s parish celebrated our founder’s feast day with the usual cultural flavour of the Tiwi people,” he says.

“There was a smoking ceremony, imploring the spirit of peace and harmony, letting go of the old and welcoming the new year.

“There was a processing, with the people dancing from outside, which carried on inside, signalling the beginning of the Holy Mass as well.”

Fr Paulo says the Mass was well-attended and after the closing hymn, time was given for sharing of stories and experiences.

“I led the way, sharing about our own SVD history and a little about my personal missionary journey,” he says.

“This was followed by a group of elders who also shared their experiences and wisdom.

“A hearty barbecue was served to all present, and I was grateful to the owners of the local stores for sponsoring us on the day.”

To round off the feast day, there was a light program of entertainment, provided by one of the young people.

“It was a successful day and a big ‘pupuni’ to all the people of the island and especially to St Arnold Janssen for his intercession and prayers,” says Fr Paulo.

St Arnold Janssen inaugurated the Society of the Divine Word mission house on September 8, 1875 in Steyl, Holland. On March 2, 1879, the first two missionaries set out for China. One of these was Joseph Freinademetz. 

St Joseph, whose feast day is on January 29, stayed for many years in China, during turbulent political and cultural times, and he faced many challenges, but he came to know and love the Chinese people and was loved by them in return.

“I do not consider missionary life as a sacrifice I offer to God, but as the greatest grace that God could ever have lavished upon me,” he said. 

PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT: Members of St Therese's Parish, Bathurst Island, process in for the Feast Day Mass of St Arnold Janssen, the founder of the Divine Word Missionaries.

MIDDLE LEFT: Fr Paulo Vatunitu SVD with elders during the Mass.

BOTTOM RIGHT: A celebration barbecue was held after Mass.