The Society of the Divine Word’s Chicago Province actively works towards peace and justice. In fact, we have committed personnel to two organizations:

Eighth Day Center for Justice
Chicago, Ill.

In 1974, a handful of religious congregations founded the Eighth Day Center for Justice to proactively and non-violently stand against oppression and discrimination.

Today, 42 congregations comprise the center’s membership. We are one of seven sponsoring members. The staff—which includes lay men and women, sisters, brothers and priests—works within a context of prayer and on behalf of people of all beliefs.

They focus on ending war, racism, exploitation of the poor and damage to the environment. The organization’s regular events include public prayer for immigrants at detention centers and a learning opportunity called the Urban Plunge.

The Urban Plunge is a seven-day immersion experience that exposes participants to the plight of the less fortunate. During the week, they explore many social issues, including homelessness, exploitive lending, the prison system, and public housing.

Each Lent, the center also sponsors the Good Friday Walk for Justice. During the event, walkers stop at Chicago sites that call to mind the suffering of the disenfranchised and powerless in today’s world. While considering current injustices, they also reflect upon the Roman Catholic Stations of the Cross.

The Eighth Day Center for Justice collaborates with other non-profit organizations and functions as a consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
To learn more about the Eighth Center for Justice, please go to: www.8thdaycenter.org

VIVAT International
New York, NY

Our missionaries live among and care for people in 71 countries, which means we are in a unique position to observe the world on a grassroots level. Our collective work, expertise and experience have direct bearing on issues that are related to social justice, community development, peace and ecology. As the new millennium approached, the Divine Word Missionaries foresaw the potential of a non-governmental organization (NGO) in New York City to lend our global perspective and internationality to the work of the United Nations.

In 2000, we joined forces with one of our affiliated congregations, the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, to establish VIVAT International. VIVAT, whose name is derived from the Latin verb “to live,” works with agencies within the United Nations and like-minded organizations to promote peace and equality.

VIVAT International is committed to human rights, peace and community development. Its staff serves as a voice for the poor—influencing government and business policies and disseminating information to educate the public and promote action.