Author name: SVD Ghana

On February 28, 2025, the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) Ghana-Liberia Province, Northern Zone Arnoldus Family, celebrated an incredible milestone – its 150th anniversary Symposium. The event took place at St. Victor’s Major Seminary, Assembly Hall in Tamale, and brought together a vibrant gathering of a bishop, priests, religious, seminarians, SVD lay associates, and esteemed guests. The symposium was a heartwarming reflection on the SVD’s remarkable contributions to evangelization, development, and intercultural dialogue in the Ghana Liberia province. Bishop Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai, SVD, set a nostalgic tone as he shared his journey as a young priest assigned to Yendi, then under the Tamale Archdiocese. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the SVD, saying, “What I am today, it is because of the Society of the Divine Word, SVD.” His inspiring words encouraged young missionaries to immerse themselves in their assignments, learn from the communities they serve, and seek wisdom from experienced mentors. Rev. Fr. Cyprian Kuupol, SVD, Provincial Superior of the Ghana-Liberia Province, delivered an impassioned keynote address. He highlighted the SVD’s unwavering dedication to evangelization, development, and intercultural dialogue despite facing numerous challenges over the decades. Fr. Kuupol proudly noted the SVD’s global reach, with 187 confreres in the Ghana Province, 5,641 confreres worldwide, and representation from 76 nationalities. Professor Edward Salifu Mahama, the main speaker, captivated the audience with his reflections on the SVD’s 150-year legacy of faith in action. He emphasized that the SVD has been a beacon of hope in the Yendi Diocese, spreading the gospel and transforming lives. Prof. Salifu lauded the SVD’s pivotal role in conflict resolution, education, and community development in the Yendi Diocese. He challenged the SVD to continue empowering local communities and harness the power of technology to enhance their work in rural areas A thought-provoking panel discussion on “The Future of Evangelisation, Development, and Intercultural Dialogue in the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province: A Collaborative Effort with the Society of the Divine Word” was moderated by Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathias Mornah, Dean of Studies at St. Victor’s Major Seminary. The panel featured insightful contributions from Rev. Fr. Stephen Dogodzi, SVD, Rev. Fr. Samuel Yaw Adu, SVD, and Madam Tamara Amina Sulemana. Sr. Adeline Ayivor, SSpS, Chairperson of the event, delivered a poignant reminder: “As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that our mission is not just about the past, but about the present and the future. Let us continue to work together to spread the Good News and to serve the people of God.” The symposium was a jubilant and reflective celebration of 150 years of dedication and service by the SVD. It also underscored the ongoing mission to evangelize, develop, and foster intercultural dialogue in the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province and beyond. By Bro. Claret-Anthony Senam Kofi Akakpo SVD Postulant

The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) celebrated their annual Southern Family Feast at the Divine Word Catholic Conference Center (DWCCC) in Nsawam-Adoagyiri. The colorful event brought together clergy, religious sisters, lay associates, and families for a day of thanksgiving, cultural expression, and fellowship. The program commenced with a Eucharistic celebration, where participants adorned traditional attire, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. In his homily, the celebrant encouraged attendees to return to the foundational values of good formation learned at home and in formation houses, emphasizing their importance in building strong spiritual lives. After Mass, the event shifted to joyful celebrations with music, dance, and various forms of entertainment. Participants shared delicious meals and engaged in traditional performances, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Organizers expressed gratitude for the successful event, describing it as a celebration of unity and faith. The day concluded with a closing prayer, leaving participants energized and inspired by the communal spirit.

In a significant boost to the operational capacity of the common formation center (CFC) in Tamale, a fleet of motorbikes has been procured for the formation house though the projects and Development office of the society of the Divine Word (SVD) Ghana Liberia province. The donation aims to enhance the formation houses outreach programs and facilitate mobility of staff and students of the center. During a short handing over ceremony at the common formation center, Fr. Tomy Thomas rector of the Common formation center expressed deep gratitude to the SVD projects and development office for the timely and thoughtful gesture. “this is a Christmas gift to CFC to boost weekend apostolates and local transportation,” he said. He further expressed gratitude to the whole Ghana province and the benefactors of the center, “we acknowledge with gratitude the efforts of our benefactors and all those who were involved in getting these bikes for use”.

The Liberia District of the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) has officially launched the celebration of 150 years since the formation of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). The historic event took place in Monrovia and brought together clergy, lay partners, and faithful from various communities. The program was graced by the presence of the Provincial Superior of the Ghana-Liberia Province, Fr. Cyprian Kupool, SVD, who delivered a keynote address emphasizing the significance of the SVD’s 150-year journey in global missionary work. He highlighted the enduring commitment of the congregation to spreading the Gospel and promoting peace, justice, and service to humanity. The celebration featured a series of activities, including a commemorative Mass, historical reflections on the SVD’s especially in Liberia, and a call to the faithful to renew their missionary zeal and grow the Liberia district. The Divine Word Missionaries continue to play a pivotal role in fostering spiritual growth and community development across Liberia and beyond. The 150-year celebration serves as a moment of gratitude and renewed commitment to the mission of evangelization.

The Divine Word Novitiate hosted a five-day Vocation Promotion Program under the theme “Embracing God’s Call: A Journey of Unwavering Obedience and Liberation.” The event brought together aspirants and facilitators for spiritual reflections, engaging talks, and missionary insights. This program came off on the 15-19th January 2024. The program began on January 15 with an Opening Mass at 5:00 p.m. to commemorate the Feast of St. Arnold Janssen, the founder of the SVD congregation. The evening continued with participant introductions, committee formation, and a film screening to foster fellowship. On January 16, Fr. Lambert Assogba, SVD, led a powerful recollection on the program’s theme, encouraging participants to embrace God’s call with courage and obedience. After lunch, Fr. Titus guided an insightful talk on Discerning a Vocation in a Wounded World. Scholastic Frt. Michael Kwabi, SVD, from Brazil, provided a historical perspective on the founding generation of the SVD. The third day featured enriching presentations by Fr. Wilfred D’Souza, SVD, on the congregation’s characteristic dimensions and charisms, and Br. McDaniel, who spoke passionately about The Identity and Mission of SVD Brothers in the Church. In the afternoon, Fr. Edward Gozo, SVD, and Fr. Edmund Owusu, SVD, captivated aspirants with their missionary experiences in Brazil and the Netherlands, respectively. January 18 highlighted vocation beyond religious life. Mr. Biney, a marriage counsellor from St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Nkawkaw, spoke on Marriage as a Vocation in the Church, while Mrs. Agnes Cobbinah, an SVD lay partner, emphasized the vital role of lay partners and the laity in seminary formation. The day concluded with a presentation on SVD Formation programs and general requirements by Br. Charles Ashun, SVD. The program culminated on January 19 with a solemn Vocation Promotion Mass at St. Peter’s Senior High School, presided by Fr. Titus in the absence of the District Superior, Fr. Lambert Assogba, SVD. Participants expressed deep gratitude for the spiritually uplifting experience and left with renewed commitment to answering God’s call.

The Divine word catholic conference center has expressed heartfelt gratitude after receiving two new vehicles from generous donors in a recent heartwarming gesture aimed at supporting the centers activities and daily operations. The vehicles, donated by Miva, and the orthopedic center are expected to significantly enhance the centers ability to operate well, including administrative activities, transportation for supplies and the like. Taking hold of the vehicles, the director of the center Fr. Samuel Barkono, SVD, emphasized the impact of the donation on the mission of the center. He expressed gratitude to the stakeholders who helped to make this possible. Worth mentioning is Fr. Cyprian Kupool, SVD the provincial superior of the society of the Divine word Ghana province and his council. He also thanked the province treasurer and all donors both local and international for their help in securing the vehicles. The Divine Word Catholic Conference Centre (DWCCC) is a multi-purpose facility operated by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Ghana. The center serves as a venue for religious gatherings, retreats, workshops, conferences, and other events organized by both the SVD and external groups.