SVD India Central Province Celebrates 150 Years and Jubilee Repetition in Indore

Indore, August 17, 2025 – The India Central Province of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) marked its 150th anniversary with a grand jubilee celebration at St. Arnold’s Seva Sadan, Indore, bringing together hundreds of priests, religious, lay partners, and well-wishers in a spirit of gratitude and festivity.

The solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop A.A.S. Durairaj SVD of Bhopal and concelebrated by a distinguished gathering of bishops, including Archbishop Emeritus Leo Cornelio of Bhopal, Bishop Devprasad Ganawa SVD of Udaipur, Bishop Thomas Mathew of Indore, Bishop Augustine of Khandwa, and Bishop Peter Kharadi of Jhabua.

More than 800 participants joined the thanksgiving liturgy, making the event a historic moment for the congregation founded by St. Arnold Janssen. The celebration began with a colourful column dance procession, followed by a welcome address from Fr. Rethinam Maria Paulraj SVD, Provincial Superior, who invited all to journey together in gratitude for 150 years of missionary service. A documentary film highlighting the congregation’s history and impact preceded the Eucharist.

In his homily, Bishop Ganawa recalled the SVD’s profound influence on the Indian Church, reminding the faithful that “the SVDs are not only called to preach the Divine Word but to live the love of God.” Other bishops also shared reflections: Bishop Augustine praised the SVDs for strengthening the faith in the Nimar region; Bishop Mathew offered personal testimony on his formative years with the missionaries; and Bishop Kharadi expressed gratitude for their pioneering work among the Bhil community, particularly in education.

The celebration featured a cultural programme by students of St. Arnold’s School, who presented a dance drama inspired by the early SVD pioneers in India. Leaders of other congregations, including Sr. Roshan, Superior General of the FSMA, Sr. Treesa of the SSpS, and Fr. Kasmir Nema SVD, General Coordinator for Communication, also extended their congratulations, acknowledging the SVD’s enduring contributions to evangelisation, education, and social upliftment.

The jubilee not only celebrated the SVD’s rich legacy in Central India but also renewed its missionary commitment to carrying forward the charism of St. Arnold Janssen into the future.

By Fr. Anthony Swamy SVD

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