Saints
St. Arnold Janssen Medal
St. Arnold Janssen was a Catholic missionary and founder of the Society of the Divine Word, a religious order dedicated to evangelization and education. He was born on November 5, 1837, in Goch, Germany, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the field of mission work and a leader in the Catholic Church.
Arnold Janssen was the fifth of eleven children born to Hermann Janssen and Anna Maria Janssen. He grew up in a devout Catholic family and received a solid education, with a particular interest in science and mathematics.
In 1854, Arnold entered the seminary in Münster, Germany, where he studied theology and philosophy. He was ordained a priest in 1861 and was sent to serve as a missionary in the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia).
During his time in Indonesia, Arnold witnessed firsthand the great need for evangelization and education in the region. He became convinced that the Church needed a new order of missionaries, one that was specifically dedicated to these goals.
In 1875, Arnold founded the Society of the Divine Word, a religious order that was dedicated to evangelization and education. The Society of the Divine Word quickly grew in size and influence, and it became a leading force in the Church’s mission work around the world.
In addition to his work with the Society of the Divine Word, Arnold was also a prolific writer and scholar. He wrote many books and articles on mission work, theology, and education, and his works had a profound impact on the Church.
St. Arnold Janssen died on January 15, 1909, and he was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2003. He is remembered as a pioneer in the field of mission work and a leader in the Catholic Church, and his legacy continues to inspire people all over the world. So, St. Arnold Janssen was a Catholic missionary and founder of the Society of the Divine Word, a religious order dedicated to evangelization and education.
Popular St. Arnold Janssen Medal and Necklace
Patron Saints - A's
Detailed Biography of St. Arnold Janssen
St. Arnold Janssen was a German-Dutch Catholic priest and missionary who founded three religious congregations: the Society of the Divine Word, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
Early Life and Priesthood
Arnold Janssen was born on November 5, 1837 in Goch, a small city in lower Rhineland, Germany. He was the second of ten children of a devout Catholic family. He attended the Catholic Augustinianum High School in Gaesdonck, where he excelled in mathematics and natural sciences. He then studied philosophy at the Academy of Muenster and theology at the University of Bonn. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Muenster on August 15, 1861.
After his ordination, he was assigned to teach natural sciences and mathematics at a secondary school in Bocholt. He was known as a strict but just teacher who cared for his students’ spiritual growth. He also became the diocesan director of the Apostleship of Prayer, a movement that promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and missionary awareness among the faithful.
Founding of the Mission House
In the 1870s, Germany faced a political and religious crisis known as the Kulturkampf, which aimed to suppress the influence of the Catholic Church. Many priests and religious were expelled or imprisoned, and many churches and schools were closed. Arnold Janssen saw this as an opportunity to awaken the German church to its missionary responsibility. He resigned from his teaching post in 1873 and started a monthly magazine called The Little Messenger of the Sacred Heart, which informed and inspired Catholics to pray and support the missions.
He also felt called to found a new missionary congregation that would send priests and brothers to preach the Gospel in foreign lands. He faced many difficulties and oppositions, but he trusted in God’s providence and guidance. He bought a piece of land in Steyl, Holland, where he opened the first mission house on September 8, 1875. He named it St. Michael the Archangel Mission House, after his patron saint. He also started a printing press to publish missionary magazines and books.
The new congregation grew rapidly, attracting many young men who wanted to dedicate their lives to God’s mission. Arnold Janssen gave them a solid formation in spirituality, theology, languages and culture. He also emphasized the importance of community life, prayer and devotion to the Holy Spirit. He named his congregation the Society of the Divine Word, or Divine Word Missionaries (SVD).
The first two missionaries, Joseph Freinademetz and John Anzer, were sent to China in 1879. They were followed by many others who went to various countries in Asia, Africa, Oceania and America.
Founding of the Women’s Congregations
Arnold Janssen also recognized the role of women in missionary work. From the beginning, he had a group of women who helped him in running the mission house. Among them was Maria Helena Stollenwerk, who became his close collaborator and co-foundress. These women expressed their desire to become religious sisters and serve as missionaries.
After many years of waiting and praying, Arnold Janssen founded the first women’s congregation on December 8, 1889. He named it the Servants of the Holy Spirit, or Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (SSpS). They were dedicated to evangelization, education, health care and social work among the poor and marginalized people.
He also founded a second women’s congregation on September 8, 1896. He named it the Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, or Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (SSpSAP). They were dedicated to contemplative life and perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. They supported the missionary work of their sister congregations by their prayers and sacrifices.
Last Years and Death
Arnold Janssen spent his last years in Steyl, overseeing his three congregations that had grown to more than 1,500 members in four continents. He was a fatherly figure who cared for their spiritual and material needs. He also maintained a close contact with his missionaries through letters and visits.
He died on January 15, 1909 at the age of 71. He was buried in the crypt of the mission house chapel. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2003. He is celebrated as a saint of the universal church and a model of missionary zeal and trust in the Holy Spirit.
Top Writings by St. Arnold Janssen
St. Arnold Janssen was a prolific writer and scholar who wrote many books and articles on mission work, theology, and education. Some of his most notable writings include:
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“The Divine Word in Mission Work” – This book is a comprehensive guide to mission work and discusses the importance of evangelization and education in spreading the Gospel.
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“The Society of the Divine Word” – This book is a history of the Society of the Divine Word, which was founded by Arnold Janssen in 1875. It discusses the mission and goals of the society and its work around the world.
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“The Divine Word in the Life of the Christian” – This book is a spiritual guide that discusses the role of the Divine Word in the life of the Christian. It explores the importance of prayer and contemplation in the spiritual life and encourages readers to deepen their relationship with God.
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“The Divine Word in the Life of the Church” – This book discusses the importance of the Divine Word in the life of the Church and the role of the Church in spreading the Gospel. It explores the role of mission work and evangelization in the Church and encourages readers to be active participants in the Church’s mission.
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“The Divine Word in the Life of the World” – This book discusses the role of the Divine Word in the world and the importance of spreading the Gospel to all people. It encourages readers to be ambassadors for Christ and to share the Good News with others.
Prayers to St. Arnold Janssen
O holy and beloved St. Arnold Janssen,
You were a man of great faith and dedication, and you dedicated your life to the evangelization and education of others. You were a pioneer in the field of mission work and a leader in the Catholic Church, and your legacy continues to inspire people all over the world.
We ask for your intercession today, that we may be guided by your example of faith and service. May we be dedicated to the evangelization and education of others, and may we always seek to serve those in need.
May we be guided by your wisdom and your love for the Church, and may we strive to be ambassadors for Christ in the world. We pray that you will watch over us and protect us from all harm, and that we may one day be united with you in heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Popular Quotes by St. Arnold Janseen
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“We must always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“Prayer is the source of all strength. Without it, we can do nothing.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“The Divine Word is the source of all life and all wisdom.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“Evangelization and education are the two pillars of mission work.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“The Gospel is not just a message, it is a person – Jesus Christ.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“The Church is not a building, it is a community of believers.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“The Divine Word is the light that guides us through the darkness of this world.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“We are all called to be missionaries, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“Prayer is the key to all things. Without it, we can accomplish nothing.” – St. Arnold Janssen
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“The love of God is the source of all joy and all peace.” – St. Arnold Janssen
Catholic Churches Names in Honor of St. Arnold Janssen
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – Saginaw, MI, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – San Rafael, CA, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – St. Michael, MN, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – Wapakoneta, OH, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – Freeport, IL, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – San Antonio, TX, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – Virginia, MN, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – Winter Haven, FL, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – Belvidere, IL, USA
- St. Arnold Janssen Catholic Church – Lisle, IL, USA
Saints Similar to St. Arnold Janssen
You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Joseph Freinademetz. St. Arnold Janssen and St. Joseph Freinademetz were both significant figures in the Catholic Church’s missionary efforts. St. Arnold Janssen was a founder of the Divine Word Missionaries, and St. Joseph Freinademetz was a member of that order who served as a missionary to China. Next up: Biography of St. Athanasius
Also check out our handmade St. Arnold Janssen Medal and St. Arnold Janssen Rosary and St. Arnold Janssen Rosary Bracelet.
Learn More:
- Arnold Janssen (1837-1909), biography – Vatican
- Arnold Janssen – Wikipedia
- Arnold Janssen Biography – German-Dutch Roman Catholic priest