Passion for Christ — Passion for Humanity

XAVERIAN MISSION
Volume 59—No 2 May 2011 Newsletter
Website: xaviermissionaries.org ● MissionBlog: xaverianmissionaries.blogspot.com

HOPE
FOR THE
FUTURE
By Fr. Mike De Roche, SX

T he Catholic Church in Japan

rushed to support victims of
the earthquake and tsunami with
prayer, solidarity and practical aid.
Japanese bishops established an
emergency center to coordinate hu-
manitarian aid operations in Sendai,
the area most devastated by the
March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
The center is managed by Caritas Ja-
pan and draws on the resources of
numerous Catholic volunteers who
have come forward in the wake of the
disaster.

"The biggest buildings withstood the

A Japan civil defense officer holds a 4-month-old baby who was rescued along with her fami-
ly from their home in Ishimaki, Japan, (CNS/Yomiuri Shimbun/Reuters) very strong earthquake. The greatest
damage was caused by the tsunami.
The panorama of destruction is striking. Now we'll have to roll up our shirt sleeves. People are expecting our help,"
said Fr. Daisuke Narui, executive director of Caritas Japan.

"The biggest concern is the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. It is a ghost from Japanese history coming back to haunt
us. But it must be said that the people are not indulging in panic; instead, they are reacting with poise and dignity."
He said, "in the worst-affected areas the main problem is the lack of food and fuel. People are left feeling powerless
in the face of this tragedy." Fr. Narui said: “Our work is to show love and solidarity especially to the people most vul-
nerable, such as the elderly, migrants and homeless. We are working with NGOs. We are called to give a testimony to
unity and closeness to all human suffering. We know that the response by the faithful to our appeal will be very gener-
ous. It is a terrible disaster, one of the worst in the country's history. In the northern area most affected, there are
already more than 7,000 recorded deaths, hundreds of casualties and internally displaced persons.”

Fr. Narui said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of Japanese youth offering to help the displaced. "Young people
are continually coming to Caritas from all the dioceses to offer their availability as volunteers to bring aid to the areas
most affected by the disaster. This is an important sign that gives us hope for the future."
Fr. Mike works in Miyazaki, Japan
Blessed Guido Maria Conforti

Xaverian Missionaries
Provincial Headquarters
12 Helene Court
Wayne, NJ 07470-2813
Tel.: (973) 942-2975
Fax: (973) 942-5012
Email:
missionmedia@xaviermissionaries.org

Xavier Knoll Mission Center

4500 Xavier Drive
Franklin, WI 53132-9066
Tel.: (414) 421-0831
Fax: (414) 421-9108
Email: Franklin@xaviermissionaries.org

Mission Center & Fatima Shrine

101 Summer Street
P.O. Box 5857
Holliston, MA 01746-5857 A Saint for Modern Times
Tel.: (508) 429-2144

W
Fax: (508) 429-4793
Email: Holliston@xaviermissionaries.org
hen thinking about nication innovations. He would
Xaverian Mission Newsletter saints, a movie cam- use the internet, mobile devices
era seldom comes to and every aspect of social net-
Official publication of the mind. In the case of Blessed Guido working to “make of the world,
Xaverian Missionaries
of the United States Maria Conforti, however, it should. one family.” His vision of
He embraced new technology and “connecting” continues to inspire
advised his followers to use every Xaverians around the world today.
Publisher
Fr. Carl Chudy
means possible, including movie You can just imagine him texting:
cameras, to not only spread the “See, Seek and Love God in All!”
Editorial Team Gospel of Christ but also to share in Now, that has to be one of the
Fr. Tony Lalli
Fr. Joseph Matteucig the cultures of the people the Xa- greatest „tweets‟ of all time!
Fr. Alfredo Turco verians served.
Editor
Mary Aktay
“Our founder was among the first to
use modern means of mass commu-
Printing nication in the service of the Gos-
Alpha Graphics, Totowa, NJ pel. The new technological possibili-
Email & Web: ties we have today offer previously
missionmedia@xaviermissionaries.org unheard of possibilities and we
www.xaviermissionaries.org
http://
should take advantage of them;
xaverianmissionaries.blogspot.com nevertheless, we must never forget
that they should never substitute an
Donation authentic life witness.” (60: RMX)
$5.00 per year

Join in the missionary

And “life witness” is what he gave.
Blessed Conforti was a man of joy
activities of the Xaverians
and action, visiting parishes in his
with your tax deductible
home dioceses, his missions in Chi-
contributions: na, supporting clergy, promoting
Contact: Fr. Frank Grappoli, SX religious education and lay involve-
12 Helene Court ment in the Church. Although his
Wayne, NJ 07470 life spanned the 19th and 20th cen-
Tel: 973.942.2975 turies, Blessed Conforti would be Bishop Conforti on a pastoral visit sur-
right at home in this age of commu- rounding Berceto, Italy in July 1931

2 Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011

 Xaverian Missionaries in the World

, 2011
March 15
s,
upporter rayers.
To Our S n d your p
r e s t , a
r inte
u for you
Thank yo art of
n o rthern p
a is t h e t, which
cted are ific coas
The affe ticularly the Pac rs from Tokyo
ar te
Japan, p 0 kilome as
en d s f or over 50 he earthquake w as
ext n d . T a g e w
idô Isla e dam
to Hokka s, but most of th as you could
ou es,
tremend he tsunami wav paper
e d b y t n e w s
caus and
f r o m t elevision
see
.
coverage g
d shockin
h a s t r ansmitte with cries of
ia
The Med ews lace
d rothers
a g e s a nd sad n so many of our b
im
fear from e areas.
pain and who live in thos as follows:
rs re
and siste figures of loss a
t e s t plete is
The la
u r e s a r e not com e to the tsunam
t t h e f ig lik e ly d u
bu 00 (most
: 4,851,
1. dead : more than 15,0 c ommodat
ion:
is s in g e s ) n c y a c
2. m m
away ho athered in emer
ge
washing e r s o n sg
laced p
3. disp t 523,288 ater,
at as le m m u n ic ations, w difficult
co ery
e lack of and food (it is v d
e s s c a u s ed by th la n k e t s im p a ire
r b r
The dist and gas, lack of use of missing o ies,
y ca to fis er and
h
electricit ces affected be a s s iv e damage d a n g er
pla em the
to reach in addition to th compounded by e d b y , nuclear
w a y s ) r ie s , is o w c a u s
road dust and n
re and in arm to,
agricultu to the serious h
e e news
terror du ions. t likely th the
r s t a t an d m o s
powe ccount, tragedy
of
o g iv e a n exact a tter than I, the in v olv ement
t o o early t d e s c ribe be ov e r nment ently
It is
t h e w o rld w il l
e m u t u al aid , g
e n cie s a re ap ar p
around ately, t h ivate ag
. Fortun c and pr is
situation ation, and publi the population
o r g a n iz a t io n o f
and bor
and colla
efficient raise.
fp
worthy o s uffering
of the
r e t h e
naries w
e sha at the
ayers th o
As missio ask also your pr ay soon return t
a n d d m
people s afflicte d peace.
nd place
people a life, serenity an
g
flourishin
prayer,
United in
anni, SX naries
Giorgio M Xaverian Missio
Fr. Pier ior
l Super
Provincia
Japan

Parish Volunteers in Sendai, photo: Caritas, Japan

Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011 3

Xaverian Missionaries in the World
IN MEMORIAM
FATHER BRUNO
On March 31, 2011,Father
Bruno Orrù died at the
Mother House in Parma af-
ter battling cancer. He was
75 years old.
He began his studies with
the Xaverian Missionaries in
1949, completed the last
three years of theology and
was ordained a priest in
Milwaukee on September
29, 1963.
After his ordination he was
engaged in teaching in Hol-
liston, MA and from 1972 to
1976 he assisted our mis-
sions through our office in
Wayne, New Jersey.
From 1977 to 2011 he
worked tirelessly in Indone-
sia, involved in pastoral
care (pastor Bagansiapi-Api,
the Padang Cathedral, and
Jakarta): training of semi-
narians (Master of novices,
90-06) and as Regional
Councilor for five terms.
May he rest in peace!
Fr. Carl Chudy, SX
Father Bruno Orrù, SX
4 Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011
PHILIPPINES
The district of Tu-
man, a suburb of
Manila, is home to
more than 50 thou-
sand inhabitants.
The poorest area is
"Palay", a place
abandoned to the
mercy of funda-
mentalist sects. We
want to offer a sig-
nificant religious
presence and cele-
brate Mass on Sun-
day. We don’t have
a church yet. the emotion on his face: "With
the help of God, we could put a
So far the altar is under a mango
tree. A yellow sheet is spread every large crucifix, because we know
that many children will go next
time we celebrate, to defend us from
the hot sun or rain. These people are door and stand here for a pray-
er."
so poor, but so close to the Gospel;
we would like to offer a more decent This reminded me of the story of
space for meeting with the Lord. Blessed Guido Conforti, who as a
A church roof with brick and galva- child on his way to school,
nized sheets, dedicated to Saint Gui- paused before a large crucifix to
do Conforti, could become a beauti- pray. He taught us to look up, he
ful reality, where the holy missionary showed us the way and brought
bishop and apostle of the Gospel is us even closer to God. Thank you
revered by the all with love. Speaking Guido, you're a saint for the
of the project with Mr. Diwata, pas- whole world, and the Filipino
toral associate of this area, I noticed people wait for you with joy.
Father Emanuele Borelli, SX
BRAZIL
Bibles For Everyone!
After the publication of
the first book, The Bible
Available to Everyone, we
are on the second vol-
ume. The first book was
well received and used by
many priests, catechists, The Xaverian Community in Brazil
religious and laity. It is
contributing to the formation of the biblical Christian communities, especially
where there are Xaverians. The second volume deals with the events of bibli-
cal history that range from the prophet Elisha to the exile of the people of
Israel in Babylon. The structure and method are to actualize the word of God
for our life of today and for the life of our Christian communities.
Project leader: Father Gianni Martoccia, SX

A Celebratory People
“I feel enlivened when I
work with them. They add
life to the celebration,” says Fa-
ther Tony Lalli, SX, commenting
on his ministry to the New England
Brazilian community. “They are a
very celebratory people.”
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Hol-
liston, MA, has been a magnet for
Brazilian immigrants since arriving
here in the last few decades. Fa-
ther Francis Signorelli, SX, Direc-
tor of the Shrine, describes the
pilgrimage of thousands of Brazili-
ans to the shrine each year.
“They begin with a candlelight
procession that is outside and then
they have dinner with their tradi-
tional foods, folklore dances, and
liturgies.”
“It has become a national day for
the Brazilians, says Fr. Tony, “and
they do a whole day of celebra-
tion, religious and national.”
Fr. Francis is available for the
community in many ways. “They
make an appointment to come to
see me for confession or spiritual
direction. They seem to be in
search of assistance because they
feel kind of alone and neglected,
particularly the Brazilians of re-
cent immigration. They look to
priests for assistance. They are
very dedicated and high-minded,
very religious and very creative in
the expression of their faith.”
Fr. Tony ministers in parishes in
the surrounding towns of Milford,
Framingham, Marlborough and
especially in Hudson, MA. He
states, “They have no priest. The
one that they had went back to
Brazil. Some Sundays I say 3 or 4
Masses, one or two in English, one
for the Portuguese and one or two
for the Brazilians.”
“Besides liturgical celebrations, I
also do a lot of personal contact,”
Fr. Tony continues. “These are
young people who came the last
Xaverian Missionaries in the USA
Xaverian Outreach to the Brazilian Community in America
few years. They came
looking for work so they
can better the situation
of their families in Bra-
zil. Many times they
have various problems,
legal or visas, difficult
family or marriage situ-
ations. I try to be un-
derstanding and help-
ful.”
Fr. Tony has worked Brazilian community at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
with Brazilians for over
thirty-five years, first as a
missionary in Brazil, so he
knows the conditions both in
their former country and
their new adopted one.
“Among themselves they
are very united, but I
don’t think they find
much acceptance here.
The two communities of
Americans and Brazilians are
separate. Even with the Portuguese,
they have little in common except
the language. They do not share
much. This for me is very
worrisome.”
“It is like they are second
class Catholics. They have so
much to contribute. They can
certainly contribute to more
lively celebrations, and a sense of
community. They are very close.
But they do not feel close to the
American community here.”
A moving example of the Brazilian
“sense of community” is that they
took up collections for the people of
Japan on their own even before
there was an official Church re-
sponse. “They made a raffle. They
made a festival. All the money gath-
ered was sent to the relief cam-
paign. I suggested that they send it
to CRS. They did it on their own,”
says Fr. Tony. “Our American com-
munity can learn from the Brazili-
ans. They can teach us a lot about
being Catholic, being Christian, be-
ing a Christian community.” Father Tony Lalli in Brazil
Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011 5
 The Dignity of Work
Crushing stone by hand in Burundi
O ften called the “best kept
secret of the Church,”
Catholic Social Teaching has
shaped our faith and empowered
our members for centuries. With
media attention on worker’s rights,
it’s a good time to revisit this bed-
rock principle of human rights.
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, chairman
of the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops wrote to Archbish-
op Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee
on February 23 of this year:
“Catholic teaching and your
statement remind us these
are not just political con-
flicts or economic choices;
they are moral choices with
enormous human dimensions.
The debates over worker
representation and collective
bargaining are not simply
matters of ideology or pow-
er, but involve principles of
justice, participation and
how workers can have a voice
in the workplace and econo-
my.”
Philippine miner, photo: Wall Street Journal
6 Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011
So, just what is this Catholic
Teaching? We can find it in the
famous 1891 encyclical of Pope Leo
XIII, Rerum Novarum (Of New
Things). Pope Leo strongly defend-
ed the poor and stressed human
rights and dignity. In his comments
on the Encyclical’s 50th anniversary
in 1961, the much beloved Blessed
Pope John XX111 stated:
…the question of work, which must
be regarded not merely as a com-
modity, but as a specifically hu-
man activity. In the majority of
cases a man's work is his sole
means of livelihood. Its remunera-
tion, therefore, cannot be made to
depend on the state of the mar-
ket. It must be determined by the
laws of justice and equity.
Pope John showed how Rerum No-
varum respected unionization:
Pope Leo XIII also defended the
worker's natural right to enter into
association with his fellows. Such
associations may consist either of
workers alone or of workers and
employers, and should be struc-
tured in a way best calculated to
safeguard the workers' legitimate
professional interest. It is the
natural right of the workers to
work without hindrance, freely,
and on their own initiative
within these associations for
the achievement of these ends.
Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral
Constitution on the Church in
the Modern World from the Second
Vatican Council in 1965 pro-
claimed:
Among the basic rights of the hu-
man person is to be numbered the
right of freely founding unions for
working people. They should be
able truly to represent them and
to contribute to the organizing of
economic life in the right way.
Included is the right of freely tak-
ing part in the activity of these
unions without risk of reprisal.
Personally involved in the Polish
Solidarity Movement in the 1980’s,
Blessed Pope John Paul II weighed
in with his Laborem Exercens (The
Rights of Labor):
In order to achieve social justice in
the various parts of the world, in
the various countries, and in the
relationships between them, there
is a need for ever new movements
“…for the laborer is worthy of his wages” Luke 10:7
of solidarity of the workers and
with the workers. This solidarity
must be present whenever it is
called for by the social degrading
of the subject of work, by exploita-
tion of the workers, and by the
growing areas of poverty and even
hunger. The Church is firmly com-
mitted to this cause, for she con-
siders it her mission, her service, a
proof of her fidelity to Christ, so
that she can truly be the "Church
of the poor."
In 1986 the U.S Catholic Bishops
issued their Pastoral Letter on
Catholic Social Teaching and the
U.S. Economy, Economic Justice
for All. The letter stresses the
Church’s support of the right of
workers to form unions or other
associations to secure their
rights to fair wages and work-
ing conditions:
Unions may also legitimately
resort to strikes where this is
the only available means to the
justice owed to workers. No one
may deny the right to organize
without attacking human dignity
itself. Therefore, we firmly oppose
organized efforts, such as those
regrettably now seen in this coun-
try, to break existing unions and
Migrant workers, photo: Catholic Legal Immigration Network whose fulfillment economic initiative.
Picking cotton in Brazil
prevent workers from organizing. would damage the common good and
the rights of more vulnerable mem-
But it also about accountability: bers of society.
Along with the rights of workers
The official teaching of the Catholic
and unions go a number of im-
Church as found in the Compendium
portant responsibilities. Individual of the Social Doctrine of the
Church (2004) holds
“The economy must serve people, that labor unions
exert a “positive
not the other way around.” influence for social
order and solidarity,
workers have obligations to their
and are therefore an indispensable
employers, and trade unions also
element of social life.”
have duties to society as a whole.
Union manage- In 2008, the USCCB published The
ment in particu- Dignity of Work and the Rights of
lar carries a Workers, once again calling for jus-
strong responsi- tice in the workplace.
bility for the
good name of the The economy must serve people,
entire union not the other way around. Work is
movement. Work- more than a way to make a living; it
ers must use their is a form of continuing participation
collective power in God‟s creation. If the dignity of
to contribute to work is to be protected, then the
the well-being of basic rights of workers must be re-
the whole com- spected—the right to productive
munity and work, to decent and fair wages, to
should avoid the organization and joining of un-
pressing demands ions, to private property, and to
Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011 7
World Mission Spirituality

TEST YOUR RELIGIOUS IQ

“As far as local churches are concerned, they must commit themselves in this direction, helping all the faithful to
respect and to esteem the values, traditions and convictions of other believers.” Blessed Pope John Paul II

Are you religiously literate? The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life did a recent survey on Americans knowledge of
beliefs and practices of the world’s major religions. The results were in a word, “dismaying,” considering that the
majority of Americans view religion as “very important” and roughly half said they attend worship services
regularly. So, how do you think you would score? Take the test and find out...

Religious Knowledge Quiz

10. According to rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, is a
1. Which Bible figure is most closely associated with leading public school teacher permitted to lead a class in prayer, or
the exodus from Egypt? not?
Job Elijah Moses Abraham Yes, permitted No, not permitted

2. What was Mother Teresa’s religion? 11. According to rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, is a
Catholic Jewish Buddhist Mormon public school teacher permitted to read from the Bible as an
Hindu example of literature, or not?
Yes, permitted No, not permitted
3. Which of the following is NOT one of the Ten
Commandments? 12 What religion do most people in Pakistan consider
Do not commit adultery themselves?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you Buddhist Hindu Muslim Christian
Do not steal
Keep the Sabbath holy 13. What was the name of the person whose writings and
actions inspired the Protestant Reformation?
4. When does the Jewish Sabbath begin? Martin Luther Thomas Aquinas John Wesley
Friday Saturday Sunday
14. Which of these religions aims at nirvana, the state of
5. Is Ramadan…? being free from suffering?
The Hindu festival of lights Islam Buddhism Hinduism
A Jewish day of atonement
The Islamic holy month 15. Which of these preachers participated in the period of
religious activity known as the First Great Awakening?
6. Which of the following best describes the Catholic Jonathan Edwards Charles Finney Billy Graham
teaching about the bread and wine used for Communion?
The bread and wine actually become the body and
blood of Jesus Christ. Read the full survey report at http://pewforum.org/Other-
The bread and wine are symbols of the body and blood Beliefs-and-Practices/U-S-Religious-Knowledge-
of Jesus Christ. Survey.aspx.

7. In which religion are Vishnu and Shiva central figures? To see how you perform on these questions compared with
Islam Hinduism Taoism the national average and different religious groups, visit
http://features.pewforum.org/quiz/us-religious-
8. Which Bible figure is most closely associated with knowledge/.
remaining obedient to God despite suffering?
Job Elijah Moses Abraham

9. What was Joseph Smith’s religion?

Catholic Jewish Buddhist Mormon
13. Martin Luther 14. Buddhism 15. Jonathan Edwards
Hindu
10. No, not permitted 11. Yes, permitted 12. Muslim
blood of Jesus Christ. 7. Hinduism 8. Job 9. Mormon
month 6. The bread and wine actually become the body and
would have them do unto you 4. Friday 5. The Islamic holy
ANSWERS: 1. Moses 2. Catholic 3. Do unto others as you

8 Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011


An Integral Part of Love
Mother and Child in the Amazon
I primary way
n The Constitution on the
Church in the Modern World, we
read, “The joys and the hopes,
the grief and the anxieties of our
age, especially those who are poor
or in any way afflicted; these are the
joys and hopes, the grief and anxie-
ties of the followers of Christ.”
What does it really mean to be
“followers of Christ”? It is not
merely that we are “nice people.”
We are tied to each other and to all
of humanity through the blood of
Christ. That “grief and anxiety” is
an outpouring of compassion which
flowed from the blood of the cross.
Justice in the World, the 40th Anni-
versary of which we celebrate this
year, brought the Church's social
ministry from the “fringe” to the
very center of what it means to be
Christian as part of the renewal of
Vatican II. A wide variety of justice
and peace initiatives as well as advo-
Become a Partner in Global Mission
cacy offices were formed to attend
to the many issues raised by the
Synod. We realized the need to be
with the poor and oppressed with
our presence, support and solidari-
ty to help with immediate needs
and also to ask the bigger question:
Why? With the answer that injus-
tice is both a personal and struc-
tural sin.
Mission is primarily witness and
proclamation, but the work of jus-
tice has become an integral part of
the evangelization of the Church.
Blessed John Paul II, in his encycli-
cal on mission reminds us: “The
Church contributes to humanity's
pilgrimage of conversion to God's
plan through her witness and
through such activities as dialogue,
human promotion, commitment to
justice and peace...” Redemptoris Justice is the
Missio #20
Justice is not extraneous to chari-
ty. It is not an alternative or paral-
lel path to charity. Justice is insep- of charity
arable from charity, and intrinsic
to it. Justice is the primary way of
charity or, in Pope Paul VI's words,
“the minimum measure” of it. St.
John tells us
justice is an
integral part
of love “in
deed and in
truth.”
(1 Jn 3:18)
Fr. Carl
Chudy, SX
(excerpted from
a talk to the
Sisters of St.
John the Baptist
in Bronx, NY on
April 2)
Good Friday Way of the Cross in Bangladesh
Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011 9
World Mission News Digest

World Mission News Digest

“The appeal by the Pope is encouragement not to

Libya give up on diplomacy,” says the Apostolic Vicar of
Tripoli

“It is a further boost to diplomacy to not give up strength and to act

in a way that keeps the possibility of reconciliation alive. I think the
appeal of the Holy Father, whom I offer my heartfelt thanks, is very
important, because fighting does not help to create peace,” said Bish-
op Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, comment-
ing on the appeal launched by Benedict XVI for peace in Côte d'Ivoire
and Libya.

March 24. At least 40 Libyan civilians were killed
as a consequence of airstrikes carried out by the
United States and other Western powers, the
leading church official in Libya said. (CNS photo/
Ismail Zetouny, Reuters)
“Violence and hatred are always a defeat,” said Benedict XVI at his
General Audience on April 4. “With great concern I continue to fol-
low the dramatic events that the dear people of Côte d'Ivoire and Lib-
ya are experiencing,” adding that he issues “a new and heartfelt ap-
peal to all parties, that they may begin the work of peace and dia-
logue and avoid further bloodshed.”

Democratic Republic of the

Get involved more in
the work of peace
and justice for Africa
with the Africa Faith
and Justice Network.
http://afjn.org/
Congo
Catholic Relief Services’ expert on sexual
and gender-based violence, Francisca
Vigaud-Walsh, testified before the House
Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa,
Global Health, and Human Rights in
March. The hearing, The Democratic
Republic of the Congo: Securing Peace in
the Midst of Tragedy, took place as rape
continued to be used as a weapon of war A Muslim Imam and Coptic Priest celebrate in
Tahrir Square, Cairo
in eastern DRC in a conflict that has by photo: Fellowship for Reconciliation
some estimates killed more than 3 million
people since 1998.
Vigaud-Walsh who oversees and Egypt
coordinates CRS’ work in the area of
sexual and gender-based violence has There was tremendous Muslim-Christian
made numerous trips to the DRC over the support and solidarity in the non-
past three years. While acknowledging violent protests against, and ultimate
positive steps by the U.S. government in overthrow of, the Mubarak regime.
the DRC, Vigaud-Walsh advocates that Muslims protected Coptic Christians in
their churches and Christians formed
more be done to eradicate sexual and
human chains around Muslim worshipers
gender-based violence, ensure the during their prayer services.
protection of women and girls and all
civilians, and to end the conflict.

10 Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011

 From our USA Communities

News from our USA Communities

US Province to Celebrate Canonization of Founder
The provincial wide celebration of the canonization of our founder, Guido
Maria Conforti will be held on December 11 at St. Bridget’s Parish in Fram-
ingham, MA. Cardinal O’Malley will preside and Bishop Edyvean will concel-
ebrate. Plans for the celebration include the mass and a reception in a
local hotel near the parish. A number of media projects are underway in-
cluding prayer cards, posters, brochure, DVD project and a special icon
commissioned by the province.

Grants Provincial Assembly

We are happy to an-
nounce the award of a
$10,000.00 grant from
the Koch Foundation,
which will be used for a
mission immersion pro-
gram for youth in Sierra
Leone in 2012.
Established in 1979 by
Carl and Paula Koch,
the Foundation supports
Catholic evangelization
activities .
We also received
$5,000.00 from St.
Francis De Sales Parish
in Purcellville, VA for
Xaverians in Indonesia
to help the victims of
the Merapi Volcano
eruption. (See the Feb-
ruary 2011 XMN)
Every two years all Xaverians in the United
States come together to study issues af-
fecting their ministry and plan for the fu-
ture. This year the Assembly will focus on
The Restructuring and Renewal of the
Province. It will take place from May 2-7 in
Oconomowoc, WI.
Holliston
Fatima Shrine Featured
on Town Website
The webpage http://
holliston.patch.com/ carries
some nice photos of the Our
Lady of Fatima Shrine. To
see them, search “Our Lady
of Fatima Shrine” on the
site and the photos will
appear.

One Family In Mission

Father Andrew Small, OMI has been named National Director of the Pontifical Mission Socie-
ties by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
Father Small entered the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1989 and holds law de-
grees from Sheffield University and Georgetown University and a doctorate in systematic
theology from The Catholic University of America. He has led the USCCB Office for the
Church in Latin America and was policy advisor on international economic development.

The Pontifical Mission Societies consist of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the
Holy Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter, and the Missionary Union of Priests and
Religious. Their purpose is the promotion of a universal missionary spirit among all Catho-
lics.

The Xaverian Missionaries congratulate Father Small and wish him great success in his endeavors on behalf of the mis-
sions.

Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011 11

 Xaverian Mission Newsletter ▪ May 2011

Pilgrimage to Rome
Travel to Rome and beyond
with the Xaverians to see
Blessed Guido M. Conforti
proclaimed a saint
by Pope Benedict XVI
on October 23, 2011
in St. Peter’s Basilica.
For Information
call 973-942-2975 or email:
missionmedia@xaviermissionaries.org

The Xaverian Missionaries are presently serving in:

Bangladesh
Indonesia

Return Service Requested

Missionaries
Xaverian
PAID Wayne, NJ 07470
U.S. Postage 12 Helene Court
Non-Profit Org. XAVERIAN MISSIONARIES