7 Volume 35 No. 2 | Winter 2025 Society Matters this mission and to recognise that there is still much work to do for the next 150 years.” The SVD Australia Province has also marked the Jubilee with an online lecture series, exploring the Jubilee theme from the perspective of the Bible Apostolate, Mission, and Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. The fourth and last of the webinars, to be held in August, will focus on Communications. Local districts throughout the Province have also marked the Jubilee Year with various celebrations. In Rome, the Superior-General of the Society of the Divine Word, Fr Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro SVD marked St Arnold’s feast day by launching the book, ‘Treasures of the Past and Experiences of the Present’, saying the publication stood as testimony to God’s goodness. “This publication is neither a mere account of our history nor even less a nod to our mission work, but rather a recognition of what the Lord has done within us and for us,” he said. “’Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders will labour in vain’, says the Psalm. “Each historical event portrayed in each experience of a missionary of the Divine Word recounted here points us to the hands of The Potter, who, over the years has shaped our lives and mission until we became who we are, men consecrated to the mission gathered in intercultural communities who announced the Divine Word and assume his life and mission as our own. “The celebration of our Jubilee this year should make us aware that a quarter of this century is complete, and that we have already entered a new era. It is from this vantage point that we have to look to the future. “Our future is in the hands of the Lord. In our hands, we have only the fruits that He cultivates throughout our existence as a missionary congregation.” In his Easter message, Fr Anselmo gave thanks for all who have collaborated with and supported the Divine Word Missionaries throughout its 150 years, saying that the Society’s missionary work cannot be done in isolation. “We are a part of this mission that is born and comes from the very heart of God,” he said. “Our role in this mission is one of collaboration. We listen to the call of the Church to take part in this mission, and we want to journey with others. This journey with others means being in dialogue. “Our journey is done in communion with the laity, with other religious congregations, with Christians of other denominations and with people of goodwill. Our journey is taken together. We are not isolated, and we must continue on this journey with many companions who want to share this journey with us.” The SVD Australia Province’s Jubilee activities will culminate with celebrations on September 8 this year, the 150th anniversary of the SVD’s Foundation. Photos Left to Right: 1. The launch of the Jubilee Commemorative book, ‘Treasures of the Past and Experiences of the Present’ (SVD Generalate Media Department). 2. St Arnold Janssen Feast Day - Palm Island 2025 3. SVD Superior-General Fr Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro SVD speaking about the Jubilee on the Feast of St Arnold Janssen this year. (SVD Generalate Media Department) 4. St Arnold Janssen’s feast day is celebrated in the Tiwi Islands.
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