Stories of Xaverian Missionaries of Mary

A Special Time to say Thanks, and Praise the Lord

by Sr. Emy Ceresoli, xmm

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Sr. Emy Ceresoli (second from the right) with her sisters and Xaverian Fathers Aniello and Lucky

Sr. Emiliana (Emy) Ceresoli celebrates 25 years as a Xaverian Missionary Sister since she professed her vows in 1977. Before joining the Order, she had worked as an accountant in the Office of Personnel of a Milanese Chemical company. Sr. Emiliana enjoyed life, friends and traveling very much, but after visiting Uganda in 1973, and knowing first hand the thirst for God of so many people, she decided to leave everything behind and share the God of her life, her “true Treasure” with all. She felt called to a lifetime mission, a journey led by God for the sake of His people. “Go therefore… I will be with you always.” (Matt. 28:20).

My journey began in 1974 when I joined the Xaverian Missionary Sisters in Parma (Italy). I come from a small Catholic family and I’m the oldest of two children. My brother is married and has one son. My mother died soon after I joined the Xaverian Sisters.

On June 19, 1977, I completed my Novitiate and professed Religious “vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in order to dedicate my entire life to the missions.” My first assignment was in Italy, in the field of vocation and mission awareness among young people. I was soon back among the young and I enjoyed every moment of it! I can’t thank God enough for the wonderful experience and the beautiful people I met. We have shared a journey of faith, joys, and difficulties that united us and led many young men and women to find their way in life and eventually some became priests and religious. Some are now working in mission countries, others have formed beautiful families. God keeps us bonded, and together we share experiences and pray for today’s young people.

“TUTTO – Everything” – the One who is All in my life – the true Treasure for Whom every sacrifice is worthy”

Some years ago, while dreaming about Africa… I was assigned to the United States! It did not seem real at first, I was just dreaming about “mission countries” I was sent first to New York, in Harlem, and then to Worcester, MA. The world I met was very challenging, compelling, a world of people willing to know more and desirous of a personal, deeper relationship with God. It was a challenge I wanted to face. It turned out to be a very enriching experience! I’ve met lots of people searching for the truth and found friends to journey with, and to help in reaching out to others seeking the “treasure” for Whom each one can leave everything in order “to obtain it.”

Sometimes we live a religion filled with traditions, devotions, and “vocal” prayers, which doesn’t satisfy our innermost. Our heart thirst for an intimate relationship with Jesus, that enables us to live the Gospel and its values, which is the only way to live a meaningful life, to make a difference in our world and to reach out to those in need. It is simply THE WAY we live our true Christian vocation and mission. We must go for it, no matter the cost!

When people ask about how much priests and missionaries have to renounce in order to follow Jesus, I always say that I gave up nothing, I have chosen the “TUTTO – Everything” – the One who is All in my life – the true Treasure for Whom every sacrifice is worthy. I haven’t missed anything either; I gained a lot, a lot more. And if you “have met” Jesus, you know that this is true!

25 years of wonderful memories and “miracles of Love” experienced with God’s people is a treasure and also a tremendous opportunity that makes me thank God for the gift of the missionary call and for each one of you. My gratitude goes to my parents, the Xaverian Missionary Sisters, friends and all those the Lord wanted me to meet along the journey led by Him. Today I sing my Magnificat, because of God’s love and fidelity in my life, “I am with you always!” Moreover, I invite all young people who are looking at the future of our world to be aware of the many blessings and gifts God’s goodness has bestowed in their life! They are blessed and rich only for one reason: in order to share it with all! “Go therefore…”

The world needs Jesus, Jesus needs you! Two Thirds of humanity is still seeking for the Truth, is still waiting to know Jesus.

From the Xaverian Missionary Sisters Easter 2002 Newsletter

If you like to receive more information about the Xaverian Sisters, please contact their Vocation Director at:

Missionaries of Mary - Xaverian Sisters
242 Salisbury Street • Worcester, Massachusetts • 01609-1639
xavsistersusa@msn.com • phone (508) 757-0514