Dorish Maru College is the formation and residential community of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in Melbourne, Australia.
Named in memory of the missionaries who lost their lives aboard the Dorish Maru during World War II in 1944, the College stands as a living tribute to their faith, sacrifice, and commitment to the mission of Christ. Inspired by their witness, we continue to offer our lives in service of the Gospel.
The College is under the patronage of St Joseph Freinademetz SVD (1852–1908), one of the first Divine Word Missionaries, who served in China with humility, courage, and deep missionary zeal.
A Community of Formation and Mission
Dorish Maru College is home to seminarians preparing for priesthood and religious life as Divine Word Missionaries, as well as priests undertaking further theological study.
As part of the global SVD community, formation at the College is shaped by our missionary charism:
to proclaim the Word of God and to participate in God’s mission among all peoples.
Our community is multicultural, reflecting the international nature of the Society. Living, praying, and studying together, we are formed for mission across cultures, languages, and nations.
Formation for Mission
Formation in the Society of the Divine Word is holistic and missionary in nature.
It seeks to form men who are:
- grounded in prayer and the Word of God
- committed to community life
- open to intercultural mission
- ready to serve where the Gospel is most needed
This formation integrates:
- spiritual life (daily prayer, Eucharist, reflection)
- academic study (theology and mission studies)
- pastoral experience (service among the poor and marginalised)
Candidates study through the University of Divinity, primarily at Yarra Theological Union, where the SVD has a long-standing contribution to Mission Studies.
Mission in Practice
Formation at Dorish Maru College is not only academic — it is lived.
Seminarians are actively involved in:
- pastoral ministry in parishes and local communities
- outreach to the poor, homeless, and marginalised
- liturgical life, including daily Mass and the prayer of the Church
- music and parish ministry
Through these experiences, formation becomes a preparation for a life of missionary service, not only in Australia, but throughout the world.
Overseas Training Programme (OTP)
A defining part of SVD formation is the Overseas Training Programme (OTP).
This missionary experience, usually lasting between 18 months and 3 years, immerses seminarians in a new cultural and pastoral context.
The programme includes:
language and cultural formation
supervised pastoral ministry
deep engagement with local communities
OTP is not simply an exposure experience — it is a real participation in mission, preparing candidates for lifelong service as priests or brothers in the global Church.
A Living Mission
Dorish Maru College forms missionaries who are ready to be sent —
to proclaim the Word of God,
to serve across cultures,
and to bring Christ’s presence to the world.
Visit or Contact
Dorish Maru College Community
100 Albion Road, Box Hill VIC 3128
Phone: +61 3 9890 0065
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https://www.facebook.com/DorishMaru
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