Thaddeus Dao Duy Thien, SVD
In a world wounded by wars, divisions, and secular ideologies, the Divine Word Missionaries [SVD] chose the theme: “Your Light Must Shine Before Others” [Matthew 5:16] – Faithful and Creative Disciples in a Wounded World as the slogan of its 19th General Chapter.
On June 16, in Centro ad Gentes, Nemi, Italy, the capitulars from all provinces, regions, and missions, as well as lay missionary collaborators and observers, joined the opening Mass of the gathering. General chapters are held “to protect the patrimony of the institute mentioned in can. 578, promote suitable renewal according to that patrimony, elect the supreme moderator, treat affairs of greater importance, and issue norms which all are bound to obey” [Can. 631].
The general chapter of the SVD gathers once every six years in that spirit to make sure the whole congregation “observe[s] faithfully the mind and designs of the founders regarding the nature, purpose, spirit, and character” [Can. 578] of the SVD to find new directions for the society over the next six years, to elect new superior general and his leadership team, and to make some amendments.
On June 28, all the chapter participants visited Rome and joined the papal audience granted by Pope Francis in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. The Holy Father reminded participants of “being prophetic hope for every culture. This is a great challenge!”
One of the ways to be a peacemaker in this wounded world is to be a peacemaker. The pope also reminded the SVD of the synodal journey of the Church.
“I encourage you to promote synodality in every aspect of your life. May every community grow and enjoy a synodal style whereby each member feels listened to and accepted,” Pope Francis said.
Blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit, the 19th General Chapter, elected the new superior general, Father Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, and the new general councillors for the 2024-2030 term.
Father Ribeiro was born in 1974 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He joined the SVD in 1998 and was ordained a priest in 2005. From 2005 to 2008 he worked as a parish minister in Brazil
I encourage you to promote synodality in every aspect of your life. May every community grow and enjoy a synodal style whereby each member feels listened to and accepted
Pope Francis
The 19th General Chapter also assembled in the light of the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word [1875-2025]. The celebration officially begin on September 8 in Nemi, Italy, and close on 8 September 2025 in Rome.
The SVD provinces, regions, and missions all over the world will follow the same schedule. The China Province will celebrate its opening Mass of the anniversary at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road, Hong Kong, on September 8 at 2.30pm.
The Mass will also be the occasion of the the diaconate ordination of Joseph Nguyen Van Thanh and Thaddeus Dao Duy Thien, and the priestly ordination of Deacon Andrew Wang Shouzhao and Deacon Peter Le The Hai, by Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong.
The provincial of the China Province of the Society of the Divine Word cordially invites all members of God’s people in the Diocese of Hong Kong to join the society to praise the Lord, to pray for the mission of the Church and for the candidates of the holy orders, and to share the joy of the congregation at the mentioned time.
