About the Xaverian Sisters

Missionaries of Mary

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The Xaverian Missionary Sisters (of Mary) were established in Parma, Italy, in 1945. The seeds of this foundation can be found in the prophetic insights of Saint Conforti. “In the Xaverian Congregation I would like to start a Community of Sisters, for I consider it of great importance.” (Conforti, in 1927). Celestine Healy Bottego, born in Glendale, Ohio on Dec. 20 1895, and lived in Butte, Montana until her 14th birthday, expressed her consent to collaborate with Fr. James Spagnolo to start the community of sisters, in 1944 in Italy.

The missionary sisters draw inspiration from Mary, in the mystery of the Visitation. Like Mary they travel the world, that all people will know the love of God.

Fr. Spagnolo and Mother Bottego wished their community to be missionary. Today, the Missionaries of Mary – Xaverian Sisters – are present in Italy, Brazil, Mexico, United States, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Japan and Thailand. They are engaged in evangelization, catechetical activity, health care, and human promotion (especially of women). They live in small mission communities, often in areas of great poverty. They strive to respond to deep-rooted aspirations of the local churches and people among whom they live, and whose journey, sufferings, hopes and expectations they share.

The Xaverian Sisters draw inspiration from Mary, in the mystery of the Visitation, and hold her to be the model of their interior spirit. Like Mary, they travel the world hopeful that all people may come to know the love of Christ.

“May your love be your habit” was the invitation of Fr. Spagnolo. Their small international communities provide a visible sign of the one people, which God loves and calls, to salvation.

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@yahoo.com.mx • phone (508) 757-0514

"May your love be your habit"
Fr. James Spagnolo