The charism of the Society of the Divine Word (commonly called the Divine Word Missionaries) is rooted in missionary evangelization and proclamation of the Word of God to all peoples, especially where the Church is young or in need. Members — priests and brothers — strive to share the Gospel through preaching, education, communication, social justice, formation of local Church leaders, and intercultural outreach, emphasizing respect for cultures, unity, and service to the poor and marginalized. Their spirituality highlights making Christ known and loved in every culture and community, reflecting their motto of bringing the “Divine Word” into lived experience.

The Society of the Divine Word was founded on 8 September 1875 in Steyl, the Netherlands, by Saint Arnold Janssen as a “Pious Society” dedicated to foreign missions. From this origin, the S.V.D. grew into one of the largest international missionary congregations in the Catholic Church, with thousands of priests and brothers serving in over 70–80 countries worldwide. The congregation expanded rapidly into Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, engaging in evangelization, education, social development, health care, and communications. In East Africa, the Kenya–Tanzania Province was established in 1984, and Divine Word Missionaries have served in Kenya and Tanzania in parish ministry, education, justice and peace initiatives, and formation work among diverse communities.

S.V.D. Kenya–Tanzania Province (East Africa) Email: svdprov@gmail.com (provincial vocation/formation inquiries) Phone: +254 (20) 269 4452 Address: P.O. Box 63724–00619, Muthaiga, Nairobi, Kenya Alternate Office (Tanzania): P.O. Box 7591, Arusha, Tanzania Society of the Divine Word – International Vocations Email: svdvocations@dwci.edu (general vocation team and formation guidance)