Melbourne's Yarra Theological Union is one of Australia's  great ecumenical and learning endeavours, reaching out to all in a spirit of service and hospitality. Its hospitality includes offering courses on other religions and understanding of the religious traditions of Australia. This year YTU celebrates 40 years since it was established. Fr Jacob Kavunkal SVD reflects on its important place in our society.

As a chaplain at Sydney’s busy Westmead Hospital, Fr Sunil Nagothu SVD is no stranger to pain, suffering, fear and anxiety. But amidst all the turmoil, he says there is also a good measure of joy and the ‘honour and privilege’ of being with people at the most vulnerable time in their life, bringing them comfort and sometimes even helping them find a path home to God.

The Divine Word Missionaries have farewelled the group of young asylum seekers who had been living at the Janssen Spirituality Centre in Boronia, after the federal government chose not to renew the contract for their care.

Director of the JSC, Fr Nick de Groot says the government’s decision not to renew the contract, and to remove the young men was a shock.

Missionaries or volunteers who may experience a kind of ‘reverse culture shock’ when they return home from an extended period in a foreign country will have extra support, with the establishment of a new network called Trans-Mission.

Sr Geraldine Kearney SGS, who is a consultant in areas of cross-cultural communication, counselling, education and facilitation will facilitate the network with Mission Secretary of the Divine Word Missionaries in Australia, Fr Henry Adler SVD. 

This month, as you read your edition of “In the Word”, we at the Divine Word Missionaries are preparing to take part in one of the biggest Mission events in Australia in recent years.

The “Mission: One Heart, Many Voices” conference will bring together up to 400 people, from across the Church community and beyond, to explore the reality of Mission in the world today and its implications for those us working to build the reign of God.

From Central Australia, to Thailand and New Zealand, the Divine Word Missionaries of the Australian Province are preparing to celebrate Holy Week and Easter in a variety of places and cultures, and everyone is invited to join them.