By Fr Peter Bang SVD
The birthday of our Mother Mary, 8th September, also marked the Foundation Day of the Society of the Divine Word. In 2024 it also marked the opening of the SVD Sesquicentenary Jubilee (the year of celebrations leading up to their 150th anniversary in 2025), with the theme “Witnessing to the Light: from Everywhere for Everyone”.
SVD’s Mission in the Central West, QLD
Bishop Michael McCarthy, Diocese of Rockhampton, invited the SVD to look after the Central West Cluster Parishes. Therefore, I was appointed as Parish Priest and I arrived in Queensland’s Central West in February 2024. So, on September 8, SVD Foundation Day, it was a privilege for me to take this opportunity to introduce the SVD Charism and Mission to God’s people in this vineyard.
Similar Opening Ceremonies were held throughout the Central West at parishes that are blessed to have the SVD priests ministering in their community. This included a procession of key symbols – a Bible (for the Divine Word), a globe and the SVD banner (representing the entire world and the SVD priests and brothers who are currently ministering in 79 countries), and a candle (representing Christ’s light that they are guided by and try to share with others).
Witness to the Light from everywhere.
During this blessed time, we are invited to reflect on and meditate our vocation and mission. The call to “Witness to the Light” is a central part of the Christian Mission. It also reminds us as SVDs that Jesus’ Love and Truth are meant to be shared universally—across every people, culture and nation. This Light, symbolised by Jesus Christ in John 1:5 as the One who “shines in the darkness”, is a beacon of hope, meant for everyone and for every corner of the world. How do I apply it in my mission?
With me, to witness from everywhere means that wherever I am—whether at home, engaging in teamwork, or visiting our parishioners at their properties, I am aware that I am called to reflect Christ’s light. My actions and words should convey the love, mercy, and truth that Jesus embodied. In a world full of confusion and division, I am called to be an agent of peace, love and compassion, showing others that God’s grace and presence knows no boundaries. It is not bound by geography, language, or background—it is for everywhere and everyone.
Witness to the Light for everyone.
“For everyone” means that the light of Jesus is inclusive. Jesus’ message or teaching was for all people, regardless of race, skin or social status. My witness should be the same, extending love and truth to the marginalised, the wounded people, and the hurting. It is a reminder that no one is outside the Divine Mercy of God’s grace.
In this mission, I am called to be a living missionary, embodying Christ’s light in every situation, shining it into every corner of my parish community. My witness, for everyone, is how the world encounters the life-changing power of God’s love.
In many spiritual traditions, especially in Vietnamese culture, light symbolises truth, hope, and divine presence. Therefore, to witness to the light is to live in a way that reflects this truth and to share it with my brothers and sisters with whom I am living and working. By living out this calling, during the Jubilee Year, I try to become a Witness to the Light, not only receiving it but sharing it with everyone I encounter or accompany - then we find ourselves in the Divine Light.
PHOTOS
SVD Foundation Day and the Opening of the 150th Jubilee Year in Queensland's Central-West, Rockhampton Diocese.