The Ghana-Liberia Province of the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) commemorated Brothers’ Day 2025 from 13th to 16th June under the stirring theme: “SVD Brother: From Everywhere for Everyone.”
Held at the Divine Word Catholic Conference Centre(DWCCC), the celebration formed part of the global 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word, offering an opportunity for the Brothers to reflect deeply on their missionary calling in a world increasingly marked by physical, social, and spiritual wounds.
Thirteen Brothers and four Priests participated in the vibrant celebration, which included moments of prayer, fraternal dialogue, missionary planning, and vocational reflection.
A Call to Reflect, Recommit and Reimagine
In his opening address, Fr. Cyprian Kuupol, SVD, the Provincial Superior, presented an honest portrait of the Province, highlighting both its missionary milestones and growing challenges. With 129 confreres in total, of which only 21 are Brothers and just one Brother currently in formation, the Provincial called for renewed energy in promoting the SVD Brother vocation, especially among the youth.
“Our legacy as missionaries is deeply rooted in the contributions of our Brothers,” Fr. Kuupol said. “We must urgently reawaken interest, inspire vocations, and support one another to remain faithful and fruitful.”
The Provincial spoke passionately about SVD missions in Liberia, where the Society is active in two dioceses and pursuing plans to establish a Technical School in Zwedru, spearheaded by Br. Wisdom through a carpentry initiative. He also addressed educational efforts in Ghana, specifically SVD-run schools like St. Martin’s, St. Peter’s, and St. Paul’s, emphasising that “education is a legacy from our founder that we must fiercely uphold.”
He further urged the Brothers to explore income-generating ventures as the Generalate is expected to reduce funding in the next nine years, noting that financial self-reliance and sustainability are becoming non-negotiable for the Society’s mission.
Wounded Healers in a Wounded World
The highlight of the celebration was a moving presentation by Bro. John Bissue, SVD, who served in Colombia and Rome, and currently ministers in Nemi, Italy. Drawing on the 19th General Chapter’s theme “SVD Brother in a Wounded World”, Bro. Bissue challenged the Brothers to embrace their role as “wounded healers.”
“Our world is deeply fractured socially, economically, environmentally, and spiritually,” he said. “But we, too, are wounded. The SVD Brother must stand in this space, not as a distant fixer, but as a loving presence of Christ’s healing power.”
He identified wounds ranging from tribalism and discrimination within the Church and society, to addiction, environmental degradation, and abuse of authority and resources, even within the Church itself. He candidly noted that identity crises and a lack of appreciation continue to afflict the Brotherhood.
“Who are we as SVD Brothers? What is our mission today? We must re-root ourselves in the Word, renew our spirituality, and be driven by love,” he declared.
Building a Future for Brotherhood
Contributions from confreres echoed the urgency to redefine and revalue the Brothers’ vocation. Br. Samuel Dagadu, SVD, recounted how even in Rome, many priests struggled to grasp the significance of the Brother’s role. Br. McDaniel emphasised that conviction and hard work must define the Brother’s path.
The celebration also served as a platform to deliberate on expanding the SVD’s impact in Liberia, rural Ghana, and among the marginalised, while enhancing education, healthcare, and pastoral care.
In closing, the Brothers gathered for a midday Eucharistic celebration, renewed in spirit and recommitted to living out their call as Divine Word Missionaries “from everywhere for everyone.”
Discussion about this post