Divine Word Missionaries
Papua New Guinea · Since 1896
For 130 years the Society of the Divine Word has walked, paddled and flown alongside the people of Papua New Guinea, sharing the Word, building schools and health centres, and growing a local church.
Madang · 5°13′ S 145°47′ E
13 Aug 1896 · First landing
104 members · 14 nations
the Word, sown like seed
Who we are
The Society of the Divine Word is a Catholic missionary congregation of priests and brothers, founded in Steyl in 1875 and present in more than seventy countries.
In Papua New Guinea we are pastors, teachers, broadcasters and neighbours: a community of missionaries from many nations together with Papua New Guineans who now carry the mission forward.
The story in four steps
1896
Six missionaries step ashore and soon settle on Tumleo Island.
1900s
Stations and schools follow the Sepik and Ramu inland.
1934
On foot with local helpers, the mission reaches the Wahgi Valley.
Today
Parishes, a university, media and research, carried by Papua New Guineans and missionaries together.
By the numbers
1875
The Society founded in Steyl
1896
First landing in Madang
130
Years in Papua New Guinea
800+
Languages in the country
Five stories from the coast to the Highlands.
The mission
SVD in PNG
Education
Divine Word University
Parishes
Parishes and Catechists
Voice
Media and Culture