Arnold Janssen, the founder of the SVD struggled with the idea of founding a religious congregation in a very challenging historical situation, writes Fr James Areechira SVD, in a reflection ahead of SVD Foundation Day on September 8.

Our constitutions characterise Arnold Janssen as a man of prayer, of unshakeable trust in God– a man of deep faith. He was ever open to God’s plans, offering unconditional surrender to his will. An open-minded man of great apostolic zeal, Arnold responded to the call of the Holy Spirit and the needs of people.

Fr Truong Le SVD cares for three rural parishes in different villages of the Isan region of northeastern Thailand – All Saints Church in Ban Muang, The Epiphany Church in Ban Chad, and St Lucia in Namphong.

And while each of those communities in Khon Kaen Province are small and located in an area known as being the poorest region in the country, Fr Truong says the friendship and support from locals, both Catholics and Buddhists alike, and an enduring love for the Eucharist, form the foundations of his parish ministry.

Queensland’s five Catholic bishops visited Palm Island recently, spending time with parishioners, school students, staff and religious, while prayerfully acknowledging both the troubled history of the island for Indigenous peoples as well as the hope that is alive there today.

Parish Priest Fr Manh Le SVD said the visit was an occasion for what he has termed an “Indigenous conversion” of heart for the bishops.

Multicultural Sunday celebrations in SVD communities in Sydney and Brisbane have brought together a diverse range of groups, showcasing their cultural heritage, while celebrating the gift of unity in faith.

At the SVD’s provincial headquarters at Marsfield in Sydney, the annual Multicultural Sunday event attracted big crowds, despite the threat of inclement weather, with SVD parishes from Macquarie Fields and Ingleburn in the Wollongong Diocese joining in the festivities.

It has been a time of celebration at St Mark’s Catholic Parish in Inala, Brisbane, with Fr Bosco Son SVD being installed as parish priest and Fathers Joseph Vu SVD and Linh Nguyen SVD marking significant jubilees.

Fr Bosco was installed as parish priest this month by Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay in a Mass which also incorporated Multicultural Sunday.

One of the many things that we as Divine Word Missionaries like to do is contribute to thought, study and discussion about how mission intersects with the pressing issues facing humanity in our world today.

As part of this discussion, it is my pleasure on behalf of our Province to invite you to attend an online event we are hosting which will explore the topic of "Integral Human Development in a Fragmented World: Perspectives on Ecology and Digital Technology”, to take place on September 18.

On National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday, earlier this month, Broome Bishop Tim Norton SVD reflected on the Gospel passage, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.' (Matthew 11:28).

The context of the Gospel is Jesus is correcting people’s understanding of who he is and what his ministry is about. In the verses before today’s reading, the disciples of John asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we wait for another?” Jesus responds by showing that, in a changing world, the best way to bring about change is through acts of mercy—one act at a time.

The Holy Redeemer Church in Buengkan Province, Thailand is both a place of prayer and Eucharistic worship and a centre of compassionate outreach for those in need.

Parish Priest Fr Pham Dinh Tuan SVD, who recently celebrated the 15^th anniversary of his priesthood, is close to his parishioners, most of whom live a rural subsistence farming lifestyle.

Staff and students at the SVD’s formation house, Dorish Maru College in Melbourne, have farewelled secretary Vicky Cheung, whose presence extended beyond her professional duties to encompass the roles of mentor, friend and mother-figure.

Vicky retired this month after 17 years in the job and her deep contribution to the lives of many young missionaries-in-training was honoured at an emotional farewell function.

The Good Shepherd Community Centre in Townsville has celebrated its 25^th anniversary, with parishioners past and present giving thanks to God for a quarter century of shared faith and continued growth.

Parish Priest, Fr Joseph Reddy SVD said the anniversary Mass and morning tea was a time of gratitude for all that God has accomplished through the parish community since its beginnings in 2001.