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!

Religious Brothers Work With the People

Prepared by SVD vocation team, Jamaica

Divine Word Missionary brothers are men committed to living Consecrated Life in response to a call from God. They focus on their God-given talents and share their gifts with others while engaged in a variety of ministries and Bro. Bernie Spitzley is one of them.

Some Missionaries are Called to be Bishops

By SVD Vocation Team

While many priests who are appointed to the role of bishop are diocesan priests, some are religious priests who are members of religious orders, like the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).

Polish Missionary With 25 Years in the Caribbean Named Provinicial

Theresa Carson, Public and Media Relations Director - Chicago Province

Superior General Father Paulus Budi Kleden SVD has appointed Father Adam Oleszczuk SVD as the next provincial superior of the Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province.

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.