By Sister Arlina Barral
The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) marked its 150th founding anniversary with a joyous celebration dinner and dance titled “Witnessing to the Light: From Everywhere to Everyone” at the DoubleTree in Ontario.
Hosted by the SVD 150th Celebration Committee led by Naida Castro, executive director of the National Ecumenical Forum for Filipino Concerns - Inland Empire, the event brought together over 600 attendees, many from as far as northern California and Arizona, including clergy, religious, and lay partners to honor a century and a half of missionary service.
Founded in 1875 by St. Arnold Janssen in Steyl, the Netherlands, the SVD has grown into one of the world’s largest missionary congregations, serving in more than 80 countries. Rooted in interculturality and dialogue, its mission has always been to share God’s Word across borders, linguistic, cultural, and spiritual.
During the evening program, emceed by the lively Father Duong Nguyen, SVD, and Father Yori Sodanango, SVD, Deacon Andy Orosco opened with a land acknowledgment and Father Jon P. Kirby, SVD, Provincial Superior of the Western Province, offered opening remarks reflecting on the enduring legacy of the SVD in the Western Province and beyond.
“It’s about witnessing our faith. That’s what we do by being Christians in everyday life, by helping others to discover and uncover their relationship with God. And in the great cultural and ideological diversity of our present era, we try to bring unity where we find division, separation,” Fr. Kirby said.
Another highlight of the celebration was the presence of Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes, who spoke warmly of the SVD’s longstanding collaboration with the diocese. Since the early years of the diocese’s formation, Divine Word Missionaries have played vital roles in parishes, seminaries, and multicultural ministries, especially among immigrant and language-diverse communities. Their presence has strengthened the diocese’s commitment to inclusion and pastoral care for all.
“I affirm their charism,” Bishop Barnes said in his remarks of gratitude for and encouragement of the SVD.
“They’ve been a great support for this diocese sharing their resources and experiences in different parishes and different ministries of the diocese. And they have always exhibited the call to be missionary, because that is the purpose of the Church. The church exists to carry the gospel to the world,” he continued. “The Divine Word fathers have, I believe, carried that particular mission, example and witness, so well to the people of this diocese.”
From providing parish leadership in underserved areas to training seminarians and lay leaders, the SVD’s partnership with the diocese exemplifies its founding vision: proclaiming the Gospel through service and solidarity. The event also served as a tribute to the countless missionaries, past and present, whose lives have embodied that mission.
Guests enjoyed an evening of fellowship, live music, dancing, and cultural unity, underscoring the SVD’s message that evangelization is not only preached but lived in community. As a fundraiser, the event also featured a successful silent auction and raffle/opportunity drawings. Donor premiums celebrating the 150th anniversary include a commemorative book (over 150 pages) and limited-edition mugs and pub-glass centerpieces. All donations will financially assist the Society of Divine Word’s Western Province and the worldwide SVD mission, the San Luis Lumad Community High School, and the work of justice, peace, human rights, and integrity of creation.
As the Society of the Divine Word enters its next 150 years, its collaboration with dioceses like San Bernardino continues to bear fruit, reminding all that the light of faith grows brightest when shared “from everywhere to everyone.”
To get your own copy of the SVD 150th commemorative book, limited-edition pub glasses and mugs as donation premiums, please contact Edwin Ramoran at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (840) 245-7033.
Sr. Arlina Barral, MSCS, is the Associate Director of the Office of Asian Pacific Islander Ministry.