EUROPE/ITALY - The Society of the Divine Word missionaries commemorate 150 years of their founding, as a sign of the “Missio Dei”

Rome (Agenzia Fides) – In the Gospel accounts, the disciples who first encounter the risen Jesus do not recognize him immediately: Mary Magdalene mistakes him for the gardener, Peter and the other Apostles who see him on the shore of the lake doubt that it is Him. The disciples of Emmaus only realize that it is the Nazarene when he breaks the bread for them. It is always Jesus himself who makes himself known to them. And even now, only those who are amazed by his newness recognize Jesus, allow themselves to be guided by Him on the journey to follow him and remain with him.
Thus, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, suggested that the heart of the mission is the work of Christ himself, of his living and active presence. He said this in a brief address at the opening of the International Conference entitled "Missio Dei in Today's World, Witnessing to the Light from Everywhere for Everyone," organized to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Society of the Divine Word (1875-2025).

The Conference, which began on Thursday, March 27, and is hosted at the Matteo Ricci Conference Center of the Pontifical Gregorian University, was divided into three mornings of conferences and meetings. The introductory presentation was given by American theologian Stephen Bevans, Professor emeritus of the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and former president of the American Society of Missiology, who offered an in-depth examination of the theology of "Missio Dei," outlining the characteristics of mission as a work of God, inspired by the mystery of the Trinity.
The various work sessions covered a wide range of topics.
On the first day, dedicated to the theme "Healing Wounds," the interventions and discussions of the working groups focused on "Missio Dei," which takes the form of care and predilection reserved for people wounded by life, migrants, and victims of violence.

On Friday the 28th, the reflection focused on the challenges of postmodernity, including those of "transhumanism" and "posthumanism."
For the session on Saturday, March 29, talks and debates are scheduled on the contribution that religions and cultures offer to the crises and emergencies of the present time.
The Society of the Divine Word was founded in Steyl, Holland, by Saint Arnold Janssen in 1875. It is an international congregation of brothers and priests known as Missionaries of the Divine Word or "SVDs."
The worship, imitation, and preaching of the Incarnate Word are the principal activities of the SVD missionaries. The triune God, who is at the center of their spirituality, is manifested in the world through the incarnation of the Son of God. The first group of SVDs also included Saint Joseph Freinademetz, who was sent as a missionary to China. The Society of the Divine Word currently has more than 6,000 members, spread across five continents. (PR) (Agenzia Fides, 28/3/2025)

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