LIFE WITH GOD
At the heart of our mission lies a profound relationship with God the Father, who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit who continues Christ’s mission in the world. Jesus calls those He desires to be with Him, sending them out as apostles with the authority to heal (cf. Mk 3:13). Intimacy with the Lord is the cornerstone of SDM life and guides every aspect of our ministry.
As apostles, SDMs are not only followers of Jesus but also stewards of His love and teachings. By sitting at His feet—just as His earliest disciples did—we immerse ourselves in His wisdom and compassion, preparing to carry forth His mission in the world.
In the words of Pope Francis, we offer ourselves as Missionary Disciples, committed to the Lord’s mandate: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And so, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” — Mt 28:19–20
We are inspired by the words of St. Pope John Paul II: “Religious must continue to see themselves reflected in Christ the Lord in every age, nourishing in prayer a profound communion of sentiments with Him, so that their whole life may be pervaded by the apostolic spirit and all apostolic activity may be permeated with contemplation.” — VC.9
Throughout history, men and women obedient to the Father’s call and the Spirit’s prompting have chosen this special way of following Christ with an undivided heart (cf. 1 Cor 7:34)—leaving everything behind to be with Christ and serve God and others. Their spiritual and apostolic charisms have revealed the Church’s mission and contributed to the renewal of society (cf. VCv1).
OUR COMMON LIFE
Our common life is deeply inspired by the first Christian community (cf. Acts 4:32–35), centred on Christ and His Gospel (cf. Mt 18:20). We fulfill our mission through the communities we belong to—sharing love, unity, and mutual support. In community, we find strength and encouragement to live out our common calling. SDM members live in houses or legitimately established communities, observing common life according to the norms of proper law, which also governs absences (cf. Canon 740). Our society is also known as the SDM Family. God the Father is the head of our family. As brothers in Christ, we live, pray, and work together, united and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
SENSE OF THE CHURCH
As Priests and Brothers, we serve the local Church and missions afar—bringing Christ and His Word to places where He is unknown or unheard. Obeying His command: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mk 16:15), we play complementary roles in evangelization.
LIFE WITH PEOPLE OF OTHER FAITH
Embracing the spirit of Vatican Council II and reading the signs of the times, we show solidarity with people of other faiths. In a world of religious pluralism, we are called to share our hope with gentleness and respect (cf. 1 Pet 3:15), promoting dialogue, harmony, and peace. In this pluralistic world, our approach is one of communion and understanding, rather than contradiction or controversy. In line with our charism, SDMs actively foster interreligious dialogue.