October 2, 2003

Lives of two new saints give expression to Jesus' vision

By Pam Flynn

Jesus had a vision of a kingdom on earth where all people and cultures reach the fullness of life in the loving embrace of God. Two men, Arnold Janssen and Joseph Freinademetz lived lives true to this vision and their work exemplified the mission of the church. Pope John Paul II has announced that the two men will be canonized in Rome on Sunday, October 5, 2003. Canonization is the final declaration and seal of approval after a series of proven miracles. A decree is then solemnly pronounced by the pope that the soul of that person is in heaven. Venerated a saint, the person is presented to the universal church as a model of Christian and heroic virtue.

In Janssen and Freinademetz is seen a deep love for the Word of God. In both there was an intense passion to be instruments of God's will. And in both, one finds a living testimony that the Kingdom is open to all, no matter the race, culture, language or way of life. Their openness included all people and cultures, seeing in legitimate differences a source of enrichment, even in spite of the difficulties that can sometimes result.

Locally, members of the Divine Word Missionaries (S.V.D.) and Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (S.Sp.S) ministering in Memphis will host an evening prayer service on Oct. 4 at Sacred Heart Church for members of clergy and religious. The celebration will honor Blessed Arnold Janssen and Blessed Joseph Freinademetz for their contributions to the church and rejoice in their canonization.

Father Anthony Clark, S.V.D., pastor at St. Joseph Church, refers to the canonization as a happy moment for all. "It is a great day for the Society of the Divine Word, as well as for the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit and the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration throughout the world. We are very proud," said Father Clark.

Arnold Janssen was born 1837 in Goch, Germany. One of ten children, Janssen grew up in a home filled with reverence for God and the sacraments. He became a priest, teaching in the local school. After eleven years, Janssen resigned from teaching and dedicated himself to missions through prayers. He was convinced of God's will for him to found a mission seminary; inviting priests who were banished from Germany because of existing religious persecution.

Janssen's work was rooted in his humility, tenacity and complete trust in God. In 1875, Janssen established the Society of the Divine Word (S.V.D.), an international Catholic missionary community currently numbering more than 6,000 priests and brothers working in more than 70 countries. In addition, the German-born priest founded two communities of religious women, the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit and the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration.

The mission of the Society of the Divine Word and the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters is to proclaim the gospel where it has not yet been heard or has not been proclaimed adequately. Janssen believed that the church must extend an open armed welcome to all people, building a unity that protects and appreciates the richness of diversity. The mission of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration is prayerful support of the missionaries.

Janssen died a holy death in Stehl, Holland in 1909. He had in his life remained true to the Holy Spirit's inspiration within him, proclaiming the gospel to all people.

Joseph Freinademetz was born in 1852 in Oies in the Dolomite mountains. He credited his life choices to his profoundly religious upbringing which left him with grace and a gift of faith that always echoed in his life and in his words. In seminary, he began to consider foreign missionary work. To him, not to know God is the worst misfortune any human could have. To accomplish his work, he joined Father Janssen and the Society of the Divine Word in Holland.

He was the first member of the Society of the Divine Word to go to the foreign missions. Sent to China in 1879, Father Freinademetz - also known as Joseph of Shantung - adapted quickly to the Chinese culture and dedicated his life to the poor. He lived a life of hard work and arduous journeys. He encountered many difficulties as he tried to establish a first Christian community in China. Of the efforts Freinademetz said, "Anyone who would save souls has to suffer."

His missionary motto was "The language that all people understand is love." He died at the age of 56 after contracting typhoid from the sick among whom he ministered in China.

The lives of both Arnold Janssen and Joseph Freinademetz, are examples of a deep love for the Word of God. In both there was an intense passion to be instruments of God's will. They sought out those who had no hope and inspired the desire for salvation made possible only by knowing God.

Their vison and lives can serve as an example to all. In today's multicultural and multireligious world, this vison can compel people from the farthest ends of the earth to learn to live together in harmony for God.