The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special Mass at the Holy Family parish, Choi Hung, on July 1, reflecting its enduring commitment to communities in Hong Kong and worldwide. The Mass was celebrated by Father Johnson Dhos, regional superior of Hong Kong and Macau, and was concelebrated by Fathers John Baptist Le Van Ba, Father Jay Flandez, Father Anthonius Baluban, and other SVD missionaries.
Father Dhos began the service by expressing gratitude to over 500 attendees, comprising diverse parish and community members, alongside SVD missionaries visiting Hong Kong.
He highlighted the Society’s 150 years of global mission work and 77 years locally, tracing its roots back to its founding by Saint Arnold Janssen in 1875. With nearly 6,000 members operating in 76 countries, the SVD has also established women’s congregations, and he thanked the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters present.
He reminisced that the first missionary, St. Joseph Freinademetz, embarked on his journey to China in 1879, dedicating his life to the Catholic community. The congregation’s official mission in Hong Kong began in 1948, focusing on education and support for migrants.
In his homily, Father Dhos reflected on the theme of the anniversary celebration, “Witnessing to the Light,” stating that light in scripture symbolises God’s truth, hope, and presence. He invoked the biblical phrase, “Let there be light,” and Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world,” to illustrate how followers are called to embody this light in their daily lives amidst global challenges like war and uncertainty.
He reminded those present that the mission of sharing this divine light is a universal calling for all Christians, asserting that small acts, such as listening to others for several minutes, are enough to spread hope, light, and friendship.
The Mass drew participation from Filipino, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Chinese communities.
At the end of the Mass, the relic of Saint Arnold Jansen was blessed by Father Dhos, and participants paid their respects to the founder as well as St. Joseph Freinademetz, the model missionary.
Later in the afternoon, communities were invited to present aspects of the cultures from different countries where SVDs have established their missions.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Lourdes Fuentespina of the Sunday Group of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos remarked that her communities were delighted to learn more about the food and costumes of Brazil while preparing for the presentation.SE
