Arnold Janssen Reader

It gives me great pleasure and joy to present the Arnold Janssen Reader, a selection of quotations from the letters of Arnold Janssen, to the three congregations of the Arnoldus Family [SVD, SSpS, SSp- SAP] as well as to our lay associates, our lay partners in mission, and all those fascinated by this saint. The publication of this English edition takes place in the year when we can commemorate the 180th anniversary of the birth of St. Arnold Janssen on November 5, 1837. Arnold Janssen wished that his letters would provoke and stimulate thinking and growth, not just for the men and women missionaries at his time for whom he was “father, guide and founder,” but also for us who live in the present more than a hundred years later. They do indeed contain deep human and Christian wisdom, sincere words of encouragement and consolation and many useful and practical suggestions for living in challenging times and for coping with the difficulties and tribulations that come with serving God and people. I am convinced that these quotations from St. Arnold will be very valuable and useful to the leaders (superiors and formators) of the three congregations of the Arnoldus Family as well as all members, in particular the formandi, but also to the lay associates, the lay partners in mission, our benefactors and friends in many places. I therefore sincerely hope that the book will have a wide circulation.