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About the Society of the Divine Word

Founded in 1875 by St. Arnold Janssen, the Society of the Divine Word is the largest Roman Catholic order that focuses on missionary work. Throughout our history, we have entered lands where people are in need. As we listen to the people, observe their ways and become a part of their communities, we also discover how best we can show God's love to them.

Worldwide, the Society of the Divine Word is organized into 60 provinces. The Chicago Province is the Society of the Divine Word's largest province in the Western Hemisphere. In the Chicago Province, we number more than 250 men.

The Society of the Divine Word's Chicago Province consists of an ethnically diverse group of priests and brothers. Collectively, we come from 27 countries and speak more than 20 languages. These language skills aid us in living out one of our most treasured values, which we call prophetic dialogue. Dialogue has always been an important component to the work that we do.

Unlike other religious orders that organize their members based upon where they begin their careers, we may be assigned to several provinces over the course of a lifetime. Although we come from different parts of the globe, we have one thing in common: a desire to serve God and our fellow human beings and to respect our differences.

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The Bible

The Bible

The center of missionary activity. Our founder, Saint Arnold Janssen, put great emphasis on the Word of God, the Bible. It is at the heart of the Society of the Divine Word.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Each year, there are opportunities for men and women to work alongside Divine Word Missionaries as they assist people in need and spread the Good News.

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SVD Partners in Mission

SVD Partners in Mission

Do you have an interest in the life, spirituality and work of the Divine Word Missionaries? Be part of an organization that will help you connect to the Society of the Divine Word and our mission.

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Vocations

Vocations

You may feel quite at home with our congregation and the work that we do to help God's people around the world. In that case, we invite you to consider taking the next step in following a call to the religious missionary way of life.

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