15/08/2026
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THE CRADLE OF THE SVD MISSION IN THE PHILIPPINES
On August 15, 1909, the first missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) arrived in Manila, sent to the Philippines shortly before the death of the founder, St. Arnold Janssen. From Manila, they journeyed north to Pilar and Bangued, Abra, responding to the urgent need for priests following the departure of many Spanish clergy.
The pioneering missionaries, Fr. Ludwig Beckert, SVD, a former missionary to China, and Fr. Johannes (John/Juan) Scheiermann, SVD, brought with them a spirit of courage and missionary zeal. On August 23, 1909, the SVD mission was formally established in Cagutongan, San Isidro, Abra, making Abra the historical cradle of the SVD mission in the Philippines.
The beginnings were far from easy. The missionaries endured difficult terrain, illness, exhaustion, and the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel among local communities. Fr. Scheiermann and other early missionaries eventually gave their lives in the service of the mission.
Yet their sacrifice became the seed of a growing missionary presence. From Abra, the SVD expanded to Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and other parts of Luzon, eventually establishing parishes, schools, seminaries, and other ministries—including Christ the King Mission Seminary in 1934.
More than a century later, we remember with gratitude the pioneers who first brought the Word of God to Philippine soil.
