Brothers in Formation

Religious Brothers, by their life and ministry play a prophetic role in the Society and in the Church. They remind us all of the common dignity and fundamental Brotherhood of Christians: "You are all Brothers," (Matt 23:8.) Furthermore, Brothers keep alive the sense of authentic communion in our communities and our unity in diversity, which is expressed by their being consecrated laymen who live together with clerical confreres. (SVD Constitutions, 104)

Missionary work is not tied to ordination. Hence, we should keep in mind that Brothers make a great and equal contribution to mission through their professional work, social services and pastoral ministry. As non-ordained missionaries, brothers are able reach out to the laity, especially to faith-seekers and people of other religious traditions. Together with ordained confreres they bring fullness to the "Missio Dei" in contemporary world.

Treasuring the distinct nature of the Brother Vocation and its unique value for the Society, the Australian Province has opted for Pre-Novitiate and Novitiate that is common to all who come seeking to be Divine Word Missionaries. This means that in these initial stages of religious formation care is taken to provide input on both the brother and priestly vocation, their unique difference, program of studies / professional training etc.

The period of formation for brothers in temporary vows is a period of continued growth. As an SVD religious missionary, a Brother in temporary vows is expected to integrate personal prayer, meditation, examination of conscience, the reading of Scriptures and spiritual reading. Daily Eucharist is the source of strength for his ordinary tasks of work, studies, ministry or community living.

Although formation of the SVD Brotherhood had been a priority of the Province, the scarcity of candidates had prevented our programmes from gaining any clear shape or focus. The opening of the Ben Seng Brothers' Formation Centre in Melbourne , in late 1990s has dramatically changed the situation. The aim of the Centre has been to provide brothers in temporary vows with both a deeper understanding of their SVD charism and the professional skills necessary for a creative and effective living out of our charism.

While at present, due to fewer numbers of brothers in formation, the programme is temporarily run together with clerical students at Dorish Maru Community in Box Hill, care is taken to help the programme to retain its unique identity. It is convenient for brothers doing theological courses at YTU, as well, as relatively close to educational institutions that can provide the professional studies and skills that the Brothers require.