New SVD Ghana-Liberia Provincial Superior pledges compassionate leadership for ‘a wounded world’

The newly inducted Provincial Superior of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) Ghana–Liberia Province, Very Rev. Fr. Andrews Aboagye Obeng, SVD, has pledged to lead with compassion and a renewed missionary focus, declaring his readiness to respond to what he describes as a “wounded world” with compassion.

Speaking at his induction ceremony earlier today, Fr. Obeng said, “I have been entrusted with the leadership of the SVD Ghana Province, which comprises Ghana and Liberia, In the light of two significant recent developments, the 19th SVD General Chapter and the Synod of Synodality.”

The new Provincial Superior, who will serve alongside his council for the 2026–2029 term, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, describing the role as both “sacred and delicate.”

“I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Superior General Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro for entrusting me with this sacred and delicate office,” he said.

Fr. Obeng’s address underscored his prior involvement in shaping the direction of the global SVD mission. “Having served as a member of the Second Preparatory Commission, which prepared the draft statements for the 19th SVD General Chapter, I find myself irresistibly drawn to participate deeply in the SVD’s renewed mission of responding to a wounded world with the balm of compassion,” he stated.

He emphasised that his leadership would prioritise care for members of the congregation, particularly those experiencing difficulties.

Rev. Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD named Provincial Superior of SVD Ghana–Liberia Province

“Mine is a call not just to lead the strong, but more significantly, to lift up broken confreres and remind them that they are loved and cared for,” he said.

Positioning himself as a servant-leader, Fr. Obeng added, “I come as one who serves, recognising and respecting the personal dignity of each confrere and keeping in view the goals of the Society of the Divine World.”

He further highlighted the importance of communal discernment, noting, “Through fraternal discussions and prayer, we will together seek to discern the will of God in every situation.”

Quoting the 19th General Chapter Statement, the new Provincial made a call to fraternity and witness saying, “By lighting our communities with love for one another, we become a city set on a hill. End of quote. 19th General Chapter Statement No. 31.”