Spirituality of Divine Word Missionaries

SVD Spirituality Rooted in the Word of God: A brief look at the SVD constitutions enlighten us on the centrality of the Incarnate Word in the spirituality of the Society. “The Incarnate Divine Word in his redeeming love is the source and model of our apostolic holiness” (SVD constitution 201). Of special significance is constitution 401: “Christ is the center of our life. A living union with him brings unity and gives depth to our whole life with its many activities. When we love Christ we are loved by the Father; Father and Son come to make their home in us ( Jn. 14:23) with the Holy Spirit.”(SVD constitution 401) “It is by listening to the word of God and living it that we become co-workers of the Divine Word” (SVD constitution106). More precisely, we are to listen to the “Divine Word who became incarnate in a particular historical situation” (SVD constitutions 103).

 Christ becomes alive in our hearts, incarnate in us. Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians is particularly significant for us Divine Word Missionaries. “You must live your whole life according to the Christ you have received – Jesus the Lord; you must be rooted in him and built on him and held firm by the faith you have been taught, and full of thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6). Sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to him “we open our hearts to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who helps us grasp the word, make it our own and announce it to the world’ (SVD constitution 407).

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…...we saw his glory…….. From his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace” (Jn. 1:14-16).

By the Father We are called.
His Word to see and hear and touch and feel
Called, like St. Arnold, to imitate the Word made flesh in self-emptying, to follow Jesus Christ through the cross and resurrection, in suffering and joy. 

 By Jesus, We are sent.
As brothers from many cultures, we pass over to be with others, offering and receiving good news, with respect, understanding, compassion and love.

By the Spirit, We are led.
Joyfully, full of hope, we serve, share and become one with all people, especially with those on the frontiers of our faith, and the margin of society. And so we witness, and help to build a loving communion of humanity with the Triune God who loves us.