Volume 34 No. 2 | Winter 2024 2 Society Matters Message from the Provincial Superior Dear Friends, Welcome to the Winter Edition of Society Matters. In this edition you will read some uplifting stories of the work that SVD missionaries are doing in Africa. In Zambia, SVD parishes are not only the centre of sacramental life in towns and villages, but are also providing programs to educate and empower young people and provide home support for the elderly and sick. And what a delight it is to read an account of our former seminarian Edward Teye SVD, who is now assistant priest at a parish in Zimbabwe. Edward completed his theology studies and missionary formation at Dorish Maru College in Melbourne and was asked by the SVD Superior-General to go to Zimbabwe as his first assignment. Although this was not the place that Edward had asked to go, he willingly accepted the assignment and is now joyfully doing wonderful ministry with the youth of the parish. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading Edward’s story. Let us keep him in our prayers, along with all our former AUS Province seminarians who are now out serving in mission across the world. And speaking of prayers, you will read on Page 8 about the upcoming SVD General Chapter in Nemi, near Rome, where we will gather to discuss the mission, life and future directions of the Society of the Divine Word. I will attend on behalf of the Australia Province, as will Fr Prakash Menezes SVD from Alice Springs. Please keep us in your prayers as we take part in this significant event. Yours in the Word, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD Provincial Superior Cover Story: The Divine Word Missionaries in Zambia have thanked the SVD AUS Province and benefactors for supporting a range of projects to assist parishioners in education, health care and youth empowerment. Read more on Pages 4 & 5. 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
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