New Superior General elected, General Chapter closes

Last month we told you about the General Chapter meeting that Divine Word Missionaries hold every six years to address issues, assess advancements, and strategize for what lies ahead. This summer marked the congregation’s 19th General Chapter as more than 150 delegate members from all over the world gathered in Nemi, Italy, for this important, month-long meeting. 

The group also cast their votes to elect new leaders who will serve from 2024-2030.  Those elected include:

• Fr. Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD, Superior General
• Fr. Xavier Thirukudumbam, SVD, Vice Superior General
• Bro. Michael Ertl, SVD, General Councilor
• Fr. Yulius Yasinto, SVD, General Councilor
• Fr. Eryk Koppa, SVD, General Councilor
• Fr. Fabian Mate Kalaluka, SVD, General Councilor
• Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, General Councilor

Fr. Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD, was elected to the office of the congregation's Superior General, succeeding Fr. Paulus Budi Kleden, who was recently named Archbishop of Ende in Indonesia. Prior to his installment as Superior General, Fr. Ribeiro served as Provincial Councilor in the Province of Brazil North. He professed First Vows in 1999, Perpetual Vows in 2004 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2005.

Members of the General Chapter participated in an audience with Pope Francis

General Chapter attendees had the honor of meeting with Pope Francis, who delivered an important message to the members of the missionary congregation. He invited them to champion peace and hope across the globe, noting it’s especially important in a world “scarred by conflicts, wars, the destruction of the environment, violent acts against human life and dignity, fundamentalist ideologies, and many other wounds.”

The Pope emphasized the need for prophets of hope across all cultures. Today, nearly 6,000 Divine Word Missionaries are serving in about 80 countries around the world, making them “experts in inculturation,” according to Pope Francis. “God’s Word generates, gives life, inspires, and motivates; it is the focal point of your mission,” he said. However, he also urged caution in navigating the internet and social media, warning that uncritical engagement with these platforms could impact people's lifestyles and values.