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
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