Bro. Raul Acosta, SVD
A Global Mission of Brotherhood: Bro. Raul Supports Religious Brothers Worldwide
As the Catholic Church celebrates Religious Brother's Day on May 1 and recognizes religious brothers throughout the month of May, the Society of the Divine Word gives thanks for the men who dedicate their lives to mission through service, community and faith.
Among them is Bro. Raul Acosta, SVD, whose ministry reaches far beyond borders. From a working-class parish in Argentina to meetings in Rome and conversations spanning Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, Bro. Raul serves as General Assistant for the Formation of Brothers for the Society of the Divine Word, helping connect and support religious brothers around the world.
Rooted in Local Ministry, Serving a Global Mission
Though his ministry is global, Bro. Raul remains deeply rooted in local service. He lives and works in his home province, the Eastern Province of Argentina, where he serves in a parish made up of more than 10 communities in a working-class neighborhood. There, his ministry focuses on the formation of laypeople, pastoral animation and accompanying communities in their faith journeys.
“We operate within a synodal working style,” he said. “Priests, religious brothers, deacons and laypeople carry out our ministerial service together.”In addition to his parish ministry, Bro. Raul fulfills his international leadership role—primarily online—and travels to Rome twice each year for meetings and collaboration with the General Council.
“This request from the General Council represents a great responsibility for me,” he said.
A Bridge Connecting Brothers Worldwide
Bro. Raul describes much of his work as building bridges. As General Assistant for the Formation of Brothers, he serves as a liaison between provinces, regions and missions and the General Team, all in service of the formation of religious brothers.
His responsibilities include monitoring brothers’ formation programs around the world, especially in the pre-novitiate and post-novitiate stages. He encourages brothers to pursue professional and theological training aligned with the congregation’s mission priorities and helps oversee the formation of brother formators.
He also attends Zonal Assemblies of Brothers and other gatherings—both in person and online. This year, he will participate in assemblies in Nairobi for the AFRAM Zone and in Indore for the ASPAC Zone. To stay connected with brothers serving in many different contexts, Bro. Raul relies on a strong network of brother coordinators across the congregation’s zones: AFRAM, ASPAC, PANAM and Europe.
“Fortunately, modern technology and communication tools now allow us to maintain a stronger presence through online channels,” he said.
Why Religious Brothers Matter
Religious brothers have long played an essential role in the life and mission of the Church and the Society of the Divine Word.
Bro. Raul points to the early history of the congregation in the United States, where the first SVD missionaries sent by the founder, St. Arnold Janssen, included brothers. He specifically mentions Bro. Wendelin Meyer, SVD, who arrived in the U.S. in 1895 and was one of the founder’s most trusted collaborators.
As consecrated men of faith, religious brothers serve in countless ways through healthcare, education, formation, social work, administration and pastoral ministry. Their presence is especially meaningful in communities facing the greatest needs.
“Their greatest impact is felt in those places most in need of their presence—the most vulnerable areas—where a life of faith and a living testimony of that faith are most urgently required,” Bro. Raul said.
Formation for a Changing World
The formation of religious brothers has changed over time in response to the needs of the Church and the world.
Bro. Raul describes three major periods in that evolution. The first, the pre-conciliar era, focused primarily on trades and manual skills. The second, following the Second Vatican Council, emphasized theological formation, Sacred Scripture and professional preparation in service of evangelization. Today, formation continues to build on that foundation while responding to new challenges.
“Current formation aims to address new challenges—without losing sight of Prophetic Dialogue—by providing a theological foundation and appropriate professional training,” he said.
Looking to the Future
Bro. Raul sees the future of the vocation of religious brothers growing, especially in Asia. For several decades, vocations among SVD Brothers have increasingly come from countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and India.
This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for the congregation as it continues to support and form brothers across cultures and continents. He believes one of the greatest needs today is “vocational animation”—helping young people better understand and respond to God’s call.
“We must reach out to young people within the Church and walk alongside them on their journey,” he said. “We must foster environments conducive to prayer… so that they may discover their true fulfillment and happiness in life.”
Preparing for Greater Service
As part of his preparation for this international ministry, Bro. Raul is currently enrolled in the Intensive English Language Institute at Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa.
He says improving his English is essential to communicating effectively with brothers and colleagues from around the world.
“This is truly imperative for missionary work,” he said, “as well as for broadening horizons within both the Church and society.”
As the Church honors religious brothers this May, Bro. Raul’s ministry is a reminder that the vocation of brotherhood is one of service, connection and mission—reaching across borders to strengthen communities and share the Gospel throughout the world.
We'd Love to Hear From You
His mission is Our mission...Is it Yours? Let’s find out together!