Arnold Janssen, German priest and missionary (b. 1837)

Saint Arnold Janssen, S.V.D.: A Legacy of Global Catholic Missions

Saint Arnold Janssen, S.V.D. (Societas Verbi Divini), born on November 5, 1837, in Goch, Kingdom of Prussia (modern-day Germany), and passing on January 15, 1909, was an influential German-Dutch Catholic priest and visionary missionary. Revered today as a saint within the Catholic Church, his profound commitment to the evangelization of the world led him to establish not one, but three distinct religious congregations, which have collectively left an indelible mark on Catholic missionary work globally.

The Visionary Founder of Global Missionary Orders

Born into a deeply religious family, Arnold Janssen initially pursued a career in education before discerning a call to the priesthood. Ordained in 1861, he served as a high school teacher and later became diocesan director for the Apostleship of Prayer, fostering a fervent interest in missionary work. His vision to create a dedicated missionary society grew during a period known as the "Kulturkampf" in Germany, which saw significant restrictions placed on Catholic institutions by the state. This challenging environment prompted him to seek a location outside Germany to establish his ambitious missionary endeavors, leading him to the border town of Steyl in the Netherlands. There, he laid the foundations for what would become a vibrant hub of missionary activity.

The Society of the Divine Word (S.V.D.)

On September 8, 1875, Arnold Janssen founded the Society of the Divine Word (Societas Verbi Divini), commonly known worldwide as the Divine Word Missionaries. This male religious congregation was among the first German-speaking foreign missionary societies, established with the explicit purpose of sending priests and brothers to evangelize in distant lands. The name "Divine Word" signifies Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God, underscoring their mission to proclaim the Gospel. From their humble beginnings, the Divine Word Missionaries rapidly expanded, establishing missions, schools, and social programs across continents, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas, becoming one of the largest missionary congregations in the Catholic Church.

Congregations for Women: Expanding the Mission

Recognizing the indispensable role women could play in supporting and directly participating in the missionary enterprise, Saint Arnold Janssen went on to establish two congregations for women, each with a unique charism that complemented the active work of the Divine Word Missionaries.

The Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS)

Founded by Saint Arnold Janssen in 1889, also in Steyl, Netherlands, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the "Blue Sisters" due to their blue habits, are an active missionary congregation. Their charism focuses on serving the Church through various apostolic works, including education, healthcare, social work, and pastoral care, particularly in mission territories. These sisters have worked tirelessly alongside the Divine Word Missionaries and independently, bringing compassion and Catholic teachings to communities around the globe.

The Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (SSpSAP)

In 1896, Saint Arnold Janssen established his second congregation for women, the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (SSpSAP), at the same missionary complex in Steyl. Distinguished by their striking pink habits, these "Pink Sisters" are a contemplative order dedicated primarily to perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Their profound charism of prayer and sacrifice provides spiritual support for the active missionaries, interceding for the success of evangelization and the needs of the universal Church. They embody the conviction that prayer is the foundational force behind all missionary work.

Steyl, Netherlands: A Cradle of Missions

The selection of Steyl, a village near Venlo in the Netherlands, as the base for all three of Arnold Janssen's foundations was strategic. Situated just across the German border, it offered a sanctuary from the anti-Catholic policies of the Kulturkampf, which made it nearly impossible to establish new religious orders in Germany during that period. Steyl thus became a vibrant and bustling missionary center, where vocations were nurtured, missionaries trained, and spiritual life flourished, enabling Janssen's vision to take concrete form and spread its roots internationally.

A Journey to Sainthood

Arnold Janssen's extraordinary life of faith, unwavering dedication to evangelization, and the profound impact of his foundations were recognized by the Church through his beatification by Pope Paul VI on October 19, 1975. His journey to sainthood culminated on October 5, 2003, when he was canonized by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. His canonization underscored his heroic virtues and his enduring significance as an inspiration for missionaries and all who seek to spread the message of Christ.

Enduring Legacy and Global Impact

Today, the spiritual family founded by Saint Arnold Janssen continues to thrive. The Society of the Divine Word, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters number thousands of members serving in dozens of countries across all continents. Their collective efforts span a vast range of ministries, from direct evangelization and theological education to healthcare, social justice initiatives, and contemplative prayer, embodying Saint Arnold Janssen's enduring legacy of fervent faith and missionary zeal that continues to transform lives worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Arnold Janssen

Who was Saint Arnold Janssen?
Saint Arnold Janssen (1837-1909) was a revered German-Dutch Catholic priest and missionary. He is widely celebrated for his pivotal role in founding three distinct religious congregations: the Society of the Divine Word (for men), and two congregations for women, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters.
What is the Society of the Divine Word (S.V.D.) known for?
The Society of the Divine Word, also known as the Divine Word Missionaries, is a Catholic missionary religious congregation of men. They are renowned for their extensive global missionary work, which includes evangelization, education, healthcare, and social development across many countries worldwide, striving to proclaim Jesus Christ, the "Divine Word."
What is the difference between the two women's congregations founded by Arnold Janssen?
Saint Arnold Janssen founded two congregations for women:
  • The Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), founded in 1889, are an active missionary congregation involved in various apostolic works like education, healthcare, and pastoral care in mission territories.
  • The Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (SSpSAP), founded in 1896, are a contemplative congregation dedicated to perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, offering prayers and spiritual support for the missions and the Church. They are distinctive for their pink habits, symbolizing their focus on the Holy Spirit's fire and love.
When and by whom was Arnold Janssen canonized?
Arnold Janssen was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II on October 5, 2003, at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. His beatification had previously taken place on October 19, 1975, by Pope Paul VI, recognizing his virtuous life and the miracles attributed to his intercession.
Why is Steyl, Netherlands, significant in Arnold Janssen's story?
Steyl, Netherlands, served as the vital location where Saint Arnold Janssen established all three of his missionary congregations. It became a significant missionary center, chosen largely because it offered a more conducive and religiously free environment for founding Catholic religious orders during a period when the "Kulturkampf" in Germany imposed significant restrictions and persecution on Catholic institutions.