1 Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 Society Matters Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us … (Psalm 117) A NEWSLETTER OF THE DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES INC - AUSTRALIA PROVINCE Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 Society Matters
Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 2 Society Matters Message from the Provincial Superior Dear Friends, Welcome to the Spring Edition of Society Matters! As Spring arrives, so too does the official celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the founding by St Arnold Janssen of the Society of the Divine Word. St Arnold founded his missionary society on September 8, 1875. Driven by prayer and a desire that all people should have the opportunity to know the Good News of Jesus Christ, he overcame much opposition to begin fulfilling his dream. From those humble beginnings, the SVD has flourished and grown to be the biggest male missionary order in the world, with nearly 6000 missionaries, from 76 nationalities, serving in 79 countries. The SVD AUS Province will mark the 150th Anniversary of the Founding of the Society of the Divine Word in September with a special Jubilee Mass, a Provincial Assembly in Melbourne, followed by participation in an ecumenical mission conference. ‘Witnessing to the Light: From Everywhere for Everyone’ is the theme of our Jubilee Year and in this edition of Society Matters you will read a wonderful testimony to mission in the story of Fr Kasmir Nema SVD. Kasmir completed his missionary formation in Australia some years ago and since then has served in Timor-Leste, as well as undertaking various higher studies in different places in the field of social communications. Today, he is the Communications Coordinator for the SVD Generalate in Rome and is passionate about living out St Arnold’s desire to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in our world. In a recent webinar on this topic, hosted by the SVD AUS Province, Fr Kasmir said: “Communication is Mission”. In sharing our mission stories, such as those we share in Society Matters, we seek to provide an encounter with the love of Jesus. I hope you enjoy reading his story, beginning on page 4. One of the other defining characteristics of the SVD is our lived commitment to interculturality. On Page 6 you’ll see all the colour and vibrancy of our annual Multicultural Day at the Marsfield community in Sydney, showing that in all our cultural diversity we are one in the Body of the Christ. And finally, to mark the Jubilee, the SVD Superior-General, Fr Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro SVD, has written a letter to you! It is a letter of thanks for your ongoing support of the Society of the Divine Word as our Partners in Mission. (See opposite page). We too wish to thank all our Partners in Mission. Over the last year alone, your financial and prayerful support has seen our Province support people living in need in India, Madagascar, Zambia, Chad, Ghana, Timor-Leste and Zimbabwe. You can read the details of the funds distributed and the programs they supported on Page 8. May God bless you and your family, as we too, send you our deep thanks. Yours in the Word, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD Provincial Superior Cover Story: The Multicultural Sunday event at the SVD’s Marsfield Community in Sydney was a vibrant display of faith, culture and community. It also incorporated celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word. See more on Pages 6-7. Appeal Office: 199 Epping Road, Marsfield NSW Locked Bag 3, Epping NSW 1710 Australia Telephone: +61 2 9868 2666 Victoria: 100 Albion Road, Box Hill, Vic 3128 Tel: +61 3 9890 0065 Queensland: 96 Lilac Street Inala QLD 4077 Tel: +61 7 3372 5658 New Zealand: 41 Britannia Street, Petone, 5046 Tel: +64 4 971 7885 Published by Divine Word Missionaries Incorporated, ABN 51 885 667 646
3 Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 Society Matters “WITNESSING TO THE LIGHT: FROM EVERYWHERE FOR EVERYONE.” The Light is the Light of Christ, the Incarnate Word (Jn 1 : 1 - 1 8 ) Gratitude to our Benefactors from Australia Province Dear Benefactors and Friends of the SVD in Australia Province, As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), I write with deep gratitude for your faithful support. Whether through prayer, financial assistance, or quiet acts known only to God, you have helped carry the Light of Christ into the world. Thank you. Since 1990, “Society Matters” has served as a bridge between our missionary work and you, our companions in mission. Through its pages, you’ve helped build formation houses, sustain communities, and support works of justice, compassion, and evangelization. One story, shared by a confrere who served as a mission secretary, moved me deeply. After the passing of a longtime benefactor, her daughter phoned to learn more about her mother’s involvement. The secretary shared how her mother’s quiet presence had touched the mission—how she cherished simple gifts like a calendar or a magazine, not for their material value, but because they reminded her that she was part of something greater. The daughter, unaware of the extent of her mother’s giving—supporting education, vulnerable communities, and spiritual outreach—was so inspired that she pledged to continue her mother’s support. This simple yet powerful story reminded me that our small tokens carry deep meaning. They are symbols of the enduring generosity and faith that often live on across generations. This reflects what our 19th General Chapter affirmed: we are missionaries of hope, called and sent by Jesus, supported not only by our own energy, but by your faithful presence. We are also called to responsible stewardship and creative self-reliance amid today’s challenges. Your generosity inspires us to answer that call with integrity and courage. Despite economic uncertainties, we place our trust in Divine Providence and in the hope your support gives us. As we mark 150 years of mission, please know you are held in our prayers, honored in our gratitude, and cherished as companions in this sacred journey. Thank you for being part of our story. In Christ the Light, Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD Superior General
Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 4 Society Matters God is Full of Surprises: My Vocational Journey Fr Kasmir Nema, SVD Introduction: A Journey Led by Grace and Surprise Life rarely unfolds as we expect. Mine is a story shaped by unexpected turns, gentle nudges from God, and moments of grace that redirected my path when I least anticipated it. From a small village in Flores Island to various corners of the world, each step in my vocational journey has been marked by one recurring truth: God is full of surprises. Where Were You Born and Raised? I was born into a large, loving family in Kakor, a small village in West Manggarai, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. As the second youngest of six children, I grew up surrounded by affection, sibling banter, and the enduring presence of faith in our home. Sunday liturgies/Masses, family rosaries, and daily acts of kindness slowly nurtured the seeds of faith that would later define my life’s direction. When Did You First Feel Called to a Priestly/Missionary Vocation? After primary school, my journey took an unexpected turn—what I now recognise as God’s first major surprise. I enrolled at St Francis of Assisi Junior High School in Tentang, Ndoso, 10km from home. Before that, I had taken a two-year break after elementary school—a decision that left many doubting my academic future. To my astonishment, I was one of two students selected to sit for the entrance exam at the Minor Seminary of John Paul II in Labuan Bajo, West Flores. At the same time, I was also accepted into a nursing school, which seemed the safer and more stable option. My parents leaned toward nursing. It promised financial security. But something stirred deep within me. After much prayer and inner wrestling, I chose the seminary—a decision that marked the first defining “yes” in my vocational path. When and Where Did You Enter the SVD and Undertake Your Formation? In 2002, I entered the Novitiate of St Joseph in Nenuk, Atambua, Timor Island, marking the formal beginning of my life within the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and after two years, I professed my first vows on August 15, 2004. Following the novitiate, I entered the next phase of formation: Philosophy studies. I completed two years before being sent to Australia in 2007 for ongoing SVD formation.
5 Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 Society Matters My time at Dorish Maru College, Box Hill, was transformative. Living and studying in a multicultural community in Australia didn’t just stretch me academically; it reshaped me emotionally and spiritually, preparing me for the global mission ahead. A major milestone came on March 25, 2011, when I professed my final vows as an SVD missionary. Just six months later, on October 1, 2011, I was ordained to the priesthood at St Pascal’s Chapel in Box Hill, Melbourne, Australia. It was a day filled with deep gratitude, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Surrounded by my SVD family and friends from the local and international communities, I stood at the altar fully aware that this was yet another of God’s surprising and beautiful gifts in my journey. Missionary Life in Timor-Leste: From Parish Ministry to Education and Leadership When submitting my country preferences for the mission, Timor-Leste was my third and least expected choice. Yet, that’s exactly where God sent me. Starting as an assistant parish priest in Uatucarbu, I quickly learned the art of grassroots ministry—listening, accompanying, and sharing in people’s faith struggles. Shortly after, I was assigned to teach at the Instituto Ciências Religiosas (ICR) (2013-2017), now part of Universidade Católica Timorense (UCT). Teaching awakened a hidden passion for education. Simultaneously, I took on roles in the media ministry as the SVD Regional Communications Coordinator, and later, as Regional Secretary and ASPAC Area Coordinator for Communications. These roles widened my horizon, introducing me to global Church communication initiatives. The Philippines: A New Mission Field in Communication and Media Another surprise came when I was sent for further studies in the Philippines. I completed a Master’s in Pastoral/Social Communication at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), (2017-2019). This program not only broadened my understanding of media and its role in Church mission but also deepened my passion for using communication as a tool for evangelisation and social transformation. Encouraged by mentors and supported by my SVD superiors, I pursued Doctoral studies in Development Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) from 2020 to 2024. During this time, God opened yet another unexpected door. I was invited to serve at the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) as an editor and later Chief Editor for Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), one of the Church’s major continental broadcasting networks. This role allowed me to bring together mission and media on a truly global scale—sharing faith stories, amplifying marginalised voices, and engaging with diverse audiences across Asia. A New Chapter: Rome and Beyond—Trusting in God’s Surprises Today, I find myself standing at the threshold of yet another unexpected chapter in my missionary journey—this time at the SVD Generalate in Rome. Stepping into my new role as Communications Coordinator for the SVD, I recognise both daunting challenges and exciting opportunities. We minister in a world overloaded with digital noise and misinformation. The digital divide across mission areas poses ongoing difficulties in reaching all communities equally.
Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 6 Society Matters Yet, within these challenges lies immense potential. Telling untold stories from the margins, fostering intercultural dialogue, and utilising new media platforms for evangelisation are just some ways we can proclaim the Gospel today. Above all, I see communication not just as a tool, but as mission itself—a sacred task of building bridges, promoting truth, and making God’s Word visible and alive. My hope is to lead with creativity, faith, and prophetic courage, trusting, as always, that God’s surprises will continue to guide our way. Conclusion: A Life Shaped by Surprise and Grace As I look back on this journey—from Flores to Australia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, and now Rome—I stand in awe of how God has worked through every twist and turn. My story is not one of personal achievement but of grace unfolding in unexpected ways. The journey continues, and I step forward with one prayer: that God’s surprises will keep leading me closer to His mission, and to the people He calls me to serve.
7 Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 Society Matters Vibrant celebration of cultures also marks SVD 150th Anniversary He said the day was a wonderful celebration of the interculturality which is so much a part of the SVD life and charism. “It was a great day because it allowed everyone to mingle together, to come to understand each other and to enjoy the differences in cultures and performances,” he said. “This is very important, because sometimes we don’t have the opportunity to get to know one another across different cultures and to make friends. “Beginning with the shared Eucharist, the day highlighted the unity that exists in Christ across the cultural groups. “The message is that we are all from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds, but we are one in God’s family.” Fr Viet said the Multicultural Sunday celebration was also open to the SVD’s non-Catholic friends and he was delighted to see many new faces attending with their families. “Having been involved with establishing the Multicultural Sunday celebration back in 2013, and seeing how it’s grown from a very small event to a much bigger event with more groups involved, it was a personal joy for me to see so many people coming together to enjoy the day,” he said. “The fact that so many people attended shows that they appreciate what we’re doing and want to be a part of it. “Some even told me they are already looking forward to our next big event, the Carols celebration at Christmas.” Fr Viet said the SVD was grateful to all those who donated towards the holding of the Multicultural Sunday event, ensuring the SVD did not have to meet the costs of the day. He also thanked those who gave donations on the day to the SVD Mission Office. The SVD Marsfield community celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word recently, in conjunction with the annual Multicultural Sunday event, highlighting one of the most foundational of SVD characteristics – interculturality. Following weeks of rain in Sydney, the skies cleared for a day of shared prayer, cultural entertainment and a mouthwatering shared multicultural meal. Mission Secretary, Fr Viet Nguyen SVD, said about 500 people attended across the day, making it the biggest Multicultural Sunday event since its inception in 2013. “It was a wonderful day,” Fr Viet said. “God blessed us with beautiful weather after all the rain and it was wonderful to see so many people come.” The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist outside the St Arnold Janssen Chapel, which was followed by the multicultural entertainment. Fr Elmer Ibarra SVD and Pia Tenedero co-hosted the day’s entertainment, which featured cultural singing and dancing from 10 community groups including: Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Slovak, the Genesis Bible Group, Filipino, Ghanian, the Dorish Maru College SVD students, and the St Arnold Janssen Chapel Community. Following the vibrant displays of song and dance, there was the multicultural feast, provided by the various cultural groups. “We then marked the 150 Years SVD Jubilee with a special cake and thanksgiving for this Missionary Society begun by St Arnold Janssen in 1875, and also for the people of many cultures and countries who are our partners in mission,” Fr Viet said.
Volume 35 No. 3 | Spring 2025 8 Society Matters THAILAND $5,703 BOTSWANA $3,139 KENYA $49,935 MADAGASCAR (MAD) $34,887 ZAMBIA (ZAM) $8,652 TIMOR-LESTE (TLS) $21,610 ZIMBABWE (ZIM) $1,088 GHANA (GHA) $6,402 TOTAL $328,501 INDIA EAST (INE) $105,958 INDIA HYDERABAD (INH) $57,197 INDIA GUWAHATI (ING) $17,896 CHAD (TCD) $16,034 INDIA (East, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Mumbai Provinces) 3 Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women through Self-Help Group Formation, Animation and Skills Training (third phase). 3 Home-based Palliative Care Program 3 Coaching classes for migrant poor tribal children 3 Animation, Leadership and Empowerment of marginalised communities in slums 3 Protection, Preservation and Promotion of Tribal Culture 3 Animation of Labour Migrants in Urban Communities 3 Youth and lay animation; Motor Training Course for Youth 3 Awareness Programs for Tribal Youth in the areas of hygiene, education, social responsibilities, environment, and anti-drugs. 3 Medical Camps for Elders 3 Rehabilitation for those living with disability 3 Maintenance of a remedial school and hostel TIMOR-LESTE 3 Workshop on human trafficking 3 Training programs for teachers 3 Reconstruction works for boys’ hostel and repair of school toilets MADAGASCAR 3 Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation activities 3 Educational Assistance 3 Youth awareness against illegal drugs 3 Human Rights education and care of families with twins 3 Legal Assistance to assist poor families against unscrupulous land deals 3 Tree planting, growing and selling program 3 Women’s empowerment; helping the poor obtain birth certificates; helping lepers with medicine and food; helping orphans CHAD 3 Education opportunities for youth and young women 3 Support for Vulnerable Elderly People 3 Animation of Young People against the dangers of drugs, early marriage, child trafficking, alcohol, pornography and communicable diseases such as AIDS. 3 Literacy Programs 3 Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation programs BOTSWANA 3 Youth Formation and Leadership Programs GHANA 3 Poultry-Keeping Training program for young people to help address high unemployment and a high crime rate. 3 Environmental Awareness Seminars – to help mitigate against local flooding, poor farming yield etc. 3 Youth Leadership Program –Peer formation against the use and abuse of drugs. ZAMBIA 3 Nutrition Support for Vulnerable Families 3 Handcraft project for people living with disability and vulnerable children 3 Transport, education, food and medicine support for poor families affected by drought 3 Youth Formation, skills training, animation and empowerment 3 Education for vulnerable children ZIMBABWE 3 Children’s development, formation and social help initiatives 3 Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation initiatives and formation 3 Safeguarding and child protection In addition to the above projects funded through the SVD AUS Province Overseas Aid Fund, the Province also helped support pastoral projects in Thailand and Kenya through its Mission Office. THANK YOU! Your financial support is changing lives through SVD projects including the following for the past financial year: www.divineword.org.au A Newsletter of the Divine Word Missionaries Inc - Australia Province Donations to the SVD AUS Province Overseas Aid Fund can be made online at www.divineword.org.au or by mailing to Divine Word Missionary Appeal Office, Locked Bag 3, Epping NSW, 1710, Australia. +61 2 9868 2666 @svdaus Society Matters
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