Who We Are

Divine Word Missionaries preach the Gospel and share the Word of God by living, working, teaching, and sharing with others in many areas of global ministry. We are the largest international missionary congregation in the Catholic Church. Our mission is "a giving of ourselves to others."

Founded in 1875 by St. Arnold Janssen, SVD, the Society of the Divine Word has grown to encompass over 70 countries in four main SVD mission zones: AFRAM (Africa), ASPAC (Asia/Pacific), PANAM (the Americas) and EUROPE. Working among the poor, neglected and disadvantaged, we fulfill a unique cross-cultural and world-wide mission. We strive to perpetuate the vision of St. Arnold when he said, "To proclaim the Good News is the first and greatest act of love of neighbor."

SVD Status and Growth 1997 – 2007