Society Matters | Volume 31 No. 1 | Autumn 2021

Volume 31 No. 1 | Autumn 2021 2 Message from the Provincial Superior Welcome to the Autumn edition of Society Matters, our first edition for 2021. While many of us were hoping for a fresh start to the New Year, at the time of writing this message, the COVID-19 restrictions were still causing disruption and dislocation for many. Despite these challenges though, there are still many opportunities to see where God is leading us in new paths. As you will read in this edition of Society Matters, the SVD is embarking on a new mission opportunity in the Diocese of Townsville, where we will be working on Palm Island and in the Parish of Kirwan. We are excited to extend our ministry with indigenous people to the Townsville Diocese and to learning from the people how we can collaborate together to help build the Kingdom of God in that part of the world. This year is also a big year for our Province in that we will hold the Provincial Chapter as well as local district Chapters. This is a time for us to pray and discern together our future directions as a Province. Because of the COVID travel restrictions in place at the beginning of the year, we have decided to hold the Provincial Chapter later in the year, from September 20 to 24 at Marsfield. We have also chosen to continue with the renewal theme of the 18th General Chapter in Rome, “The Love of Christ Impels Us. Rooted in the Word, Committed to His Mission”. Under this theme we pray that as a Province, we will continue to see renewal of self, community life and mission. We invite all our friends and partners in mission, to prayerfully join us in exploring this theme in the context of your own life and relationship with the Divine Word Missionaries. Despite all the disruption of the pandemic, the SVD missionary work continues in our Province and around the world and is needed more than ever. We thank you for your ongoing support and ask you to continue praying for us as we pray for you. Yours in the Word, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD Provincial Superior Cover Story: The SVD in Myanmar has been building basic housing for families in need. Pictured is Fr Tuyen Nguyen SVD with a family at the blessing of their new home. See pages 4-5 for more. Appeal Office: 199 Epping Road, Marsfield NSW Locked Bag 3, Epping NSW 1710 Australia Telephone: +61 2 9868 2666 Victoria: 100 Albion Road, Box Hill, Vic 3128 Tel: +61 3 9890 0065 Queensland: 96 Lilac Street Inala QLD 4077 Tel: +61 7 3372 5658 New Zealand: 41 Britannia Street, Petone, 5046 Tel: +64 4 971 7885 Published by Divine Word Missionaries Incorporated, ABN 51 885 667 646