Our Story - Botswana & South Africa Province

The Society of the Divine Word, known in Latin as Societas Verbi Divini (SVD), is one of the largest Roman Catholic missionary congregations in the world. We are often called Divine Word Missionaries, we dedicate our lives to spreading the message of the Gospel across continents, cultures, and commu- nities—especially among those who have not yet heard the Christian message. Our congregation is characterized by our commitment to dialogue, intercultural cooperation, and service to those on the margins of society.

Historical Background

The Society of the Divine Word was founded in 1875 by Saint Arnold Janssen, a German priest deeply concerned about the lack of missionary efforts in German-speaking countries of Europe following the Kulturkampf period, which restrict- ed religious activities. Recognizing the need for trained missionaries, Janssen established the congregation in Steyl, Holland, just across the border from Germany, where he purchased a house that became known as St. Michael’s Mis- sion House.

From our humble beginnings with a small group of seminarians and priests, the Society quickly flourished. The first mis- sionaries were sent abroad just a few years after its foundation, venturing to China in 1879. This marked the beginning of the Society’s enduring commitment to mission work in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.

Mission and Charism

The core mission of the Society of the Divine Word is evangelization—proclaiming the Gospel and fostering faith com- munities—particularly among peoples and cultures where the Christian faith is less established. Inspired by the vision of our founder, the Society’s charism emphasizes not only preaching and sacramental ministry but also dialogue, jus- tice, peace, and reconciliation.

Global Presence

Today, the Society of the Divine Word is present in over 80 countries on all inhabited continents. Our headquarters remain in Rome, Italy, but our missionaries can be found in remote villages, bustling cities, and regions facing hardship. The Society is divided into several provinces and regions, each responsible for the work in their respective territories.

The Society’s Global Reach

Asia: Missionaries serve in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Japan, and China, often working in edu- cation, parish ministry, and rural development.

Africa: The SVD has significant operations in nations like Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Botswana and Congo, focusing on evan- gelization, education, and health care.

Americas: In North and South America, Divine Word Missionaries serve in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and other countries, ministering to immigrant and indigenous communities.

Europe and Oceania: The Society has parishes, schools, and community centres in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.

In Botswana Province

The late Bishop Urban Murphy initiated the first step regarding the SVD missionary presence in Botswana. He contacted the then Superior General, Rev. Fr. Henry Arrival 1981 Heekeren, SVD to send missionaries to the pastoral frontiers of Botswana. Fr. Karl Muller SVD, the Mission Secretary and Fr. Joseph Madathany SVD, the Provincial of the Southern Indian province arrived in Botswana on 26th January 1981 to study the situation of the country and the church in view of opening an SVD mission eventually. For three weeks they assessed the mission prospects through their various exposures to the multifaceted socio- political, cultural and ecclesial realities. It included numerous visits to mission stations, and personal meetings with Bishop Urban Murphy, who was ill at those days, priests Fr. Placid C.P. the Vicar General, Fr. Arthur McCann, the Regional Vicar and Fr. Aidan Troy C.P. the Provincial Superior

On the basis of a report submitted by Fr. Karl Muller, the Mission Secretary, the General Council of the Society of the Divine Word in its meeting of 24th February 1981 approved the proposal favourably to help the Church in Botswana. On the 21st of April 1981, the Generalate officially created the SVD Botswana District. On 31st July 1981, Frs. Anthony Rebello and Victor Noronah South Indian Province arrived in Gaborone, followed by Frs. Peter Madden and Franklyn Nubuasah from Ghana on 1st August 1981. Fr. Krystian Tracyzk was the other confrere who was given first assignment to Botswana. The SVDs replaced the Passionists working in the North of the country, and the following stations were handed over: Francistown, Selebi-Phikwe, Palapye and Serowe. In 1983 the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit arrived in the country as partners in mission alongside the SVDs.

Up until 1981 the Passionist were only Religious Congregation working in the Diocese of Gaborone in Botswana. It was becoming difficult for them to cover the needs of the Country Pastorally. There was a cry for another religious Congregation to come to Botswana. Behold July 1981 the Diocese joyfully welcomed the first Divine Word Missionaries…. In 1982 the first to arrive was Father Thomas Nelluvely, and after Father Thomas the Diocese continued to receive more SVD Priests and Brothers.

A decision was made that all Passionists Priests who were working in the North of the country should move to the South. The following Parishes were affected: Francistown, Selebie-Phikwe, Palapye and Serowe. The Divine Word Missionary Priests took over these Parishes. … In 1983 the Sisters of the Servants of the Holy Spirit arrived in Botswana. This Religious Congregation came to work with the Divine Word Missionaries in the same Parishes. The Sisters