Father Adam and a crew of volunteers help to repair a local home in Gassaway, West Virginia.

Divine Stories

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD (left) and a crew of volunteers help repair a local home in Gassaway, West Virginia.

There are two questions that donors never tire of asking charities such as ours. How did you use my donation? Did it make a difference in anyone’s life? We are posting these stories to answer these questions. We think you will like them. They are short and personal. The settings range from the South Side of Chicago to the “hollers” of West Virginia to the poor neighborhoods of Kingston, Jamaica. In every case, your generous support enabled our missionaries to touch the lives of people with the love of God. Thank you!

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Put Faith Into Action
By Fr. Albert Mamonjisoa SVD - Madagascar

For me, I see the four characteristic dimensions of the SVD as an invitation to teamwork, says Fr. Albert. They help us understand how to work together in harmony with SVD confreres in charge of the other three characteristic dimensions: Biblical Apostolate, Communication and Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC).
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A Life of Service and Fulfillment
By Vocation Team, Chicago Province

As a young boy, Fr. Fred Timp, SVD was intrigued by the idea of religious life, but the daily schedule of parish priests seemed too boring and predictable for him. Young Fred wanted to serve God in a more exciting and adventurous way.
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A World War II Missionary
Society of Divine Word Curia Website

One of the 4 SVD martyrs, killed during World War II and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1999, was Bl. Bro. Grzegorz (Gregory) Bolesław Frąckowiak. Read the story of his life and his heroic death.
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Summer Mission Trip
By Vocation Team, Chicago Province

Four-week mission trip across Southern Africa, experiencing the joys and challenges of missionary life in Botswana and Mozambique. Through community service, spiritual reflection, and cultural immersion, reinforcing commitment to missionary vocation.
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Missionary's Legacy Inspires New Generations Through Children's Books
By Theresa Carson

When Divine Word Father Jerome Ziliak passed, his vision lived on through his niece-by-marriage, Mary Ellen. Inspired by his service in India, she's created a children's book series like "Tiny Teak," teaching values of respect and purpose. Her work ensures his legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations.
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Our New Leadership Team
By Vocation Team, Chicago Province

Divine Word Missionaries Elect New Leaders at 19th General Chapter. Over 150 delegates gathered in Nemi, Italy, for critical discussions and leadership elections. They also met with Pope Francis, who urged them to spread peace and hope globally.
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Legacy of Love
By Theresa Carson

At Divine Word Missionaries, we are humbled and overjoyed to announce a transformative bequest from the late Walter Leo and Jo-Anne Joyce.
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Make a Thanksgiving Difference
By Theresa Carson - West Virginia

As the season of gratitude approaches, we warmly invite you to become part of a cherished tradition that brings hope and joy to families in need.
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Techny Olympics for Retired Missionaries
Theresa Carson, Society of the Divine Word, Chicago Province

Once every two years, there’s a buzz going around the Divine Word Residence at Techny, followed by a competitive spirit in the air.
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Grateful for 150 years of service to God's people
By Fr. Adam Oleszczuk, Provincial of the Chicago Province

On Sunday, September 8th, the Society of the Divine Word also known as Divine Word Missionaries, began celebrating the 150th anniversary of its foundation.
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