15/01/2026
St. Arnold Janssen
✠ January 15, 1909 — Steyl, The Netherlands
Moved by a deep desire for the unity of all Christians, the preaching of the Gospel, and the establishment of the Church among those who have yet to hear about Christ, this German diocesan priest founded the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in 1875 at Steyl, The Netherlands.
Recognizing the vital role of women in mission, he later founded the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) in 1889 and the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (SSpSAp) in 1896.
Inspired by his missionary vision and commitment to Catholic education and evangelization, the Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation, Inc. (AJCMFI) continues his legacy today through its mission of education on the margins, especially through its work in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and other mission programs.
He is the patron saint of missionaries, educators, scientists, and print media.