The book deals, briefly, with the family life of Arnold Janssen: the precarious economic situation, his youth and studies, his years of teaching as a trained teacher in Bocholt, then as a priest and his campaign of prayer for the missions. It reveals his path of living including the characteristics of his personality – being disciplined, simple, rigorous, etc.

In addition, the book describes Arnold Janssen’s decision and the beginnings of the founding of the SVD and SSpS missionary congregations. There are also descriptions of the development of the congregations, in relation to personnel, land and construction, administration and the establishment of the SVD rule for all members – priests and brothers. Missionaries in China were the first to cast votes under this first rule.

The book also deals with the charism and spirituality that brings together many people with a missionary vocation, in the light of Ad Gentes.

Though it is a small work, easy and quick to read, it is a vision for those who show interest in learning about the origins and development of the SVD and SSpS Congregations, as well as their expansion to the five continents, under the perseverance of its founder Arnoldo Janssen.