By Fr Manh Le SVD

Reflecting on my journey as a Divine Word Missionary, I do so in the spirit of ongoing formation that lies at the heart of the Society of the Divine Word. My life and vocation have unfolded across diverse contexts—Vietnam under communism, migration to Australia, formation within SVD communities, mission experience in the Amazon, and pastoral ministry on Palm Island.

Each stage has become a formative space where the Word of God, mission, and community have shaped one’s identity. Throughout this journey, three attitudes have consistently sustained my vocation: hope, humility, and humour.

HOPE: Early Life and the Seeds of Mission

Growing up in Vietnam under a communist system was my first experience of formation. Faith was lived quietly and often privately, yet sustained by deep trust in God. This context nurtured hope—not as optimism, but as fidelity to God’s presence amid limitation. In an environment where the Church had little public space, I learned that the Word of God cannot be restricted. This early experience resonates deeply with the SVD understanding that mission often begins in hidden places, where the Gospel is lived before it is proclaimed.

HUMILITY: Formation within the SVD in Australia

Migration to Australia marked a significant transition in my life and vocation. Entering a new cultural and social environment confronted me with questions of identity, belonging, and language. These experiences became a school of humility, preparing my heart for religious and missionary life.

My initial and ongoing formation at Epping, Sydney, provided a solid foundation in SVD spirituality, community life, prayer, and mission awareness. Living in an intercultural community at Epping helped me to appreciate one of the core dimensions of the SVD charism: interculturality as a grace. Daily community life taught me that unity in diversity is not automatic but requires patience, listening, and mutual respect. It was here that I learned that mission begins within the community, where the Word is first shared, lived, and sometimes challenged.

Further formation and community life at Dorish Maru College, Box Hill, Melbourne deepened my understanding of the creativity and faithfulness in mission. This stage of formation helped me integrate theological reflection with pastoral experience. The supportive yet challenging environment encouraged me to grow in self-awareness and responsibility, reinforcing the SVD conviction that formation is a lifelong process, not a completed task.

Mission Experience and the Word Made Flesh

My mission experience in the Amazon became a decisive formative moment. Living among Indigenous communities (ribeirinhos-river people), I encountered the Word made flesh in new and unexpected ways. Their deep connection to land, community, and tradition challenged my assumptions and expanded my understanding of evangelisation. In line with SVD mission priorities—dialogue, justice, and inculturation—I learned that mission is fundamentally about listening and presence.

Humility was essential, as I came to recognise myself not as a teacher with answers, but as a learner shaped by the people I served.

The Amazon also taught me the importance of humour in sustaining missionary life. Daily challenges—physical hardship, isolation, and limited resources—often tested my resilience. Humour became a spiritual resource, helping me to remain grounded, human, and joyful. Shared laughter built bridges across cultural differences and reminded me that joy is an authentic sign of the Gospel!

HUMOUR: Ongoing Formation and Mission on Palm Island

My current ministry on Palm Island continues to shape my identity as an SVD missionary. Serving among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities places me at the intersection of faith, culture, and historical injustice. The lived reality of dispossession and trauma calls for a missionary response rooted in hope, respectful dialogue, and solidarity. This context reflects the SVD commitment to the margins, where the Word seeks to bring healing, dignity, and reconciliation.

Palm Island is also a place of ongoing formation. It continually calls me to humility—especially in listening deeply, acknowledging limitations, and accompanying people in their own journey. Humour remains an important pastoral tool, fostering trust and relationship in everyday encounters. These simple moments affirm that mission is not measured by visible success, but by faithful presence. “just to be is a blessing, just to live is holy”.

Lifelong Formation in the Spirit of the SVD

Looking back, I recognise that my journey—from Vietnam to Australia, through SVD formation at Epping and Box Hill, from the Sao Paolo, Amazon to Palm Island—has been a continuous process of formation by the Divine Word. Hope sustains my vocation in moments of uncertainty. Humility grounds my ministry in service rather than achievement. Humour preserves my joy and humanity in the face of challenge.

In the spirit of the SVD Constitutions, I understand formation as a lifelong commitment, shaped by community, prayer, mission, and openness to the Spirit. God has not called us because we were ready; rather, God continues to form each one of us through the missionary journey itself. With gratitude, I renew my commitment to the Society of the Divine Word, trusting that the Word who became flesh will continue to shape my life for the service of God’s mission and God’s people. God’s life is our life, God’s mission, ours.

Fr Manh Le SVD is currently serving the Indigenous community of Palm Island in the Diocese of Townsville

PHOTOS: TOP RIGHT: Fr Manh Le SVD on his first missionary assignment to the people of the Amazon River.

MIDDLE LEFT: Fr Manh leads a retreat of Vietnamese young people in Sydney.

MIDDLE RIGHT and BOTTOM LEFT: Fr Manh with the people of Palm Island, Queensland.