Divine Stories

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!

Challenges and Triumphs in Difficult Times: A Story of Learning to Sew

By Fr. Robert Ratajczak SVD, Antigua

Sewing is a practical and useful skill, and it also can be a creative outlet that brings people together. Read more…

Educating Future Generations in Jamaica

By Father Bernard Latus, SVD

Catholic schools provide children with the invaluable opportunity to expand their knowledge, explore their passions, create community, and promote self-discipline through clarity of moral vision that is based on the Gospel. In many places, especially mission countries those schools still are the only chance to receive good quality education.

Diverse Pastoral Team Serves Multicultural Parish

Based on article made by SVD Vocations Team

Our missionaries strive to live in intercultural harmony both within the society and on mission with those from other cultures. We call it, “Prophetic Dialogue,” by what we mean interacting respectfully with people from other cultures and traditions. Welcoming, understanding and accepting the rich cultural diversity of its members and people we serve.

From Peace Corp to Missionary Life

Written by Theresa Carson, Techny

Affinity for the marginalized led Divine Word priest to serve in three countries.

The Many Roles We Play

Frater Martin Herrera SVD - Bolivia

Martin is a Chicago Province SVD seminarian completing his oversees pastoral training. Currently developing his missionary skills in Bolivia, he wants to share with us few words about his experience.

VIVAT International Promotes Dignity and Human Rights

Created by SVD Vocations Team

Each religious order has a specific “charism” or focus that defines its distinctive community and purpose. But did you know that there’s a faith-based organization made up of more than 25,0000 religious sisters, brothers and priests from 12 Catholic religious congregations who are all united in a singular mission?

Relief from the Trauma of War

By Father Andrew Dzida, SVD, Bidi Bidi refugee camp in Uganda

Father Andrew completed his theological formation in the Chicago Province and was ordained at Techny. Currently, he works in Uganda and provides assistance to families in the Bidi Bidi refugee camp.

Planting Seeds and Reaping the Harvest

By Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, Epworth, IA

Fr. Adam is a member of the Tri-Province Vocation Team and writes about challenges of searching and accompanying candidates with missionary vacation.

Almost Heaven, West Virginia

Written by Sam Lollar, SVD, West Virginia

We began our journey to West Virginia at daybreak the Saturday before Spring Break. We desired to feel God's presence and have His blessing for this new experience, so we began by praying the Liturgy of the Hours together.

Sunlights of Serenity

By Fr. Michael Tomaszewski, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea

What a wonderful and different gift Father Michael Tomaszewski received shortly after his ordination in SVD Chicago Province, on May 21, 2011. A bicycle! He was most grateful to our benefactors for this unique gift. He knew it would come in handy in his first assignment as parish priest along the Sepik River in his new assignment in Papua New Guinea.