There are hundreds of Catholic colleges in the United States. A few of these colleges are seminaries; but only one in the entire country is dedicated to preparing young men for missionary service—Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa.

Divine Word College is an undergraduate Roman Catholic seminary whose primary mission is the education of young men who are seriously considering vocations as missionary priests and brothers in the Society of the Divine Word. Saint Arnold Janssen founded this religious society in 1875 in Holland as a foreign missionary society whose members work “first and foremost where the Gospel has not yet been preached at all or only insufficiently, and where the local Church is not yet viable on its own.” (SVD Constitutions). Presently more than 6000 Divine Word Missionaries seek to live Saint Arnold’s original inspiration in 70 countries.

Divine Word College, located in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, is a short drive west of the city of Dubuque, Iowa. The College traces its roots back to 1931. The present campus and facilities have welcomed students since 1964.

An education at Divine Word College, both in and out of the classroom, prepares students for their futures as missionary priests and brothers. Students integrate traditional classroom study and other life experiences gained through activities like apostolic ministry. Divine Word College provides an intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program for those students who require it for success in their degree programs.

Divine Word College educates missionaries who see themselves belonging to a fraternal community that Christ has called together from many different nations and cultures. In community Divine Word Missionaries share the Word of God; at the frontiers of the faith, they witness to their experience of the Word’s life-giving power.

We have reached out across the United States and beyond to invite young men who are willing to consider a life of poverty, chastity and obedience, men who want to serve wherever they will be needed most—men who want to dedicate themselves to a lifetime of service as a missionary priest or brother. During the past year nearly 50 young men from 11 countries responded to our invitation.