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India: Central Province Celebrates 150 Years of SVD Mission

The SVD India Central Province celebrates its 150th jubilee at St. Arnold’s Seva Sadan in Indore in India. (Photo: Facebook: SVD - Witness to the Word)

The India Central Province of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) marked its sesquicentennial jubilee with a vibrant celebration at St. Arnold’s Seva Sadan, Indore, drawing together hundreds of priests, religious, lay partners, and well-wishers in a spirit of thanksgiving and joy.

The solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by Most Rev. A.A.S. Durairaj, SVD, Archbishop of Bhopal, and concelebrated by a distinguished gathering of prelates, including Most Rev. Leo Cornelio, Archbishop Emeritus of Bhopal; Most Rev. Devprasad Ganawa, SVD, Bishop of Udaipur; Most Rev. Thomas Mathew, Bishop of Indore; Most Rev. Augustine, Bishop of Khandwa; and Most Rev. Peter Kharadi, Bishop of Jhabua.

More than 800 participants, priests, religious sisters, SVD Lay Partners, and benefactors joined the jubilee thanksgiving, making it a truly historic occasion for the missionary congregation founded by St. Arnold Janssen.

The celebration commenced with a colorful cultural procession, setting a tone of festivity and pride. Fr. Rethinam Maria Paulraj, SVD, Provincial Superior of the India Central Province, extended a warm welcome to the gathering and invited all to journey together in gratitude for 150 years of SVD mission. A documentary film highlighting the congregation’s history, milestones, and missionary impact was screened prior to the Eucharist, giving participants a glimpse into the SVD’s legacy of service.

The celebration commenced with a colorful cultural procession, setting a tone of festivity and pride. Fr. Rethinam Maria Paulraj, SVD, Provincial Superior of the India Central Province, extended a warm welcome to the gathering and invited all to journey together in gratitude for 150 years of SVD mission. A documentary film highlighting the congregation’s history, milestones, and missionary impact was screened prior to the Eucharist, giving participants a glimpse into the SVD’s legacy of service.

In his homily, Bishop Devprasad Ganawa, SVD, traced the congregation’s history and emphasized its profound influence on the Indian Church. He reminded the faithful that “the SVDs are not only called to preach the Divine Word but to live the love of God.”

The celebration was further enriched by reflections from other bishops. Bishop Augustine lauded the SVDs for strengthening the faith life of the Nimar Church. Bishop Thomas Mathew offered personal testimony, recalling his formative years with the SVDs that eventually led him to episcopal ministry. Bishop Peter Kharadi expressed gratitude for the congregation’s pioneering role in advancing the education of tribal communities.

St. Arnold's School children staged a graceful dance-drama, drawing inspiration from the SVD pioneers in India and reconnecting the audience with the congregation’s early history.

Leaders of other religious congregations also expressed their appreciation. Sr. Roshan, Superior General of the FSMA; Sr. Treesa of the SSpS; and Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD, General Coordinator for Communication, conveyed heartfelt congratulations and praised the Divine Word Missionaries for their commitment to evangelization, education, and social upliftment.

The jubilee celebration not only honored the rich legacy of the SVD in Central India but also renewed the missionary commitment to carry forward the charism of St. Arnold Janssen into the future.

 

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