September 8 this year is a double celebration, that is, the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the opening year for the 150th Jubilee of the foundation of the Society of the Divine Word. This day is both the breath of life and the breath of mission. The birth of the Blessed Mother is the prelude of her role in the history of our salvation. In her word, she will bear the Divine Word made flesh. The foundation of the Society of the Divine Word is the response of St Arnold Janssen to situation of the Church in his time. Though both celebrations are simple but the meaning is full of hope and trust in the divine providence. - Fr Jun Perez SVD
A Day of Faith and Celebrations:
September 8th Celebrations and SVD Jubilee at Good Shepherd Parish, Kirwan
On September 8, Good Shepherd Parish in Kirwan came alive with joy and spiritual fervour as the community gathered for two significant events: The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the inauguration of the 150th Jubilee celebrations of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). This special day was a powerful reminder of our unity in faith, our love for Mary, and our gratitude for the Global Missionary work of the SVDs.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Celebrated worldwide, September 8 marks the birth of the Virgin Mary, a figure of immense importance in Catholic devotion. For the faithful of Good Shepherd Parish, it was a time of reverence and reflection on Mary’s role as the Mother of God, intercessor, and model of humility and obedience. There was a procession carrying the Mother Mary statue around the church for those who were able to join it and all of us prayed the Rosary in honour of Mary.
Our dual celebrations began with a beautiful Mass, led by Frs Jun Perez & Joseph Reddy SVD who reflected on the significance of Mary’s birth in the context of salvation history. Parishioners were reminded of her purity, devotion, and willingness to say “Yes” to God’s call, which paved the way for the birth of Jesus Christ.
SVD 150 Years Jubilee: Adding to the joy of the day was the inauguration of the 150th Jubilee of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). During the Mass, a special tribute was given to the Word of God and to St Arnold Janssen. The contributions of SVDs around the world were acknowledged through heartfelt words of appreciation, and prayers. The parishioners were made known the strength of the SVD world with growing numbers with flourishing vocations in Asia & Africa. This inauguration celebration included the lighting of the 150 Years Candle, presentation of a World Globe and the SVD Logo, and Bible enthronement.
Candle; Called by God, we are sent to witness to the Light in our wounded world.
The lighting of this candle is to remind us of our universal call to witness Christ, the Light of the World, and especially as we, the SVD of Australia Province, officially open the Jubilee of the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word; under the theme “WITNESSING TO THE LIGHT; FROM EVERYWHERE FOR EVERYONE.”
The Globe and SVD Logo
The Globe reminds us of God’s mission in the world. The 150 years logo is the symbol of the SVD journey. The logo represents the 150 years of journey to witnessing to the Light, the Divine Word. We give thanks to God for the abundant blessings on our Society for the past 150 years; for the SVD confreres; past and present, for providing us with generous collaborators in mission; lay mission partners, benefactors, Holy Spirit Sisters, Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, SVD families and friends. We journey together to the future, filled with faith, hope and love.
The Bible; The Word of God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. St Arnold dedicates this Religious Congregation to the Word of God. The Word became flesh in Jesus of Nazareth to reveal the Father’s name and to proclaim the kingdom of God in the world. We are called to be the collaborator of God’s mission. His life is our life; His mission is our mission.
Conclusion: A Day to Remember
The September 8 celebrations at Good Shepherd Parish were not only a time to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary and the SVD but also an opportunity for the parish community to come together in faith and fellowship. It was a day that left a lasting impression on all who attended, reminding everyone of the beauty of unity in diversity and the enduring power of faith. A touch of beauty was added by the inauguration of the 150th Year of the Foundation of the Divine Word Missionaries.
- Fr Joseph Reddy SVD