Presence and Ministry of the Xaverians in Italy, Vatican: Our Presence

Xaverians in Italy

Our Presence

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A moment of fun at a Xaverian gathering

We, the Xaverian Missionaries, were founded in Parma, Italy, province of Emilia. The Motherhouse is located here, it is the first house and all others can trace their origins in Parma. The historic sites of the Xaverian family, those directly established by Bishop Conforti are located in Italy.

The most valuable keepsakes of the Congregation are associated with Parma. Whenever Xaverians wish to renew their commitment, they return here. The first missionaries who were sent to China were prepared and set out from Parma. In the Mother house there is a library, Chinese museum and ethnological collections, which remind us of our vocation to be a cultural center for an encounter among peoples. The first mission movies were created here, an in-house printing press provided publications for peoples to come to know our mission realities, and a Media Center continues the same mission of global education.

The opening of the houses of Vicenza, Poggio S. Marcello, Grumone, Vallo della Lucania in Italy was decided by the Founder. Other houses were opened later to meet various and growing needs: some were minor seminaries, a novitiate, a philosophy and classical courses near Milan, and the theology house was located in Parma.

In recent years the twenty Xaverian houses serve as centers of hospitality and mission education. Parma houses the headquarters for the Provincial administration and mission procure which serves as a vital link between the General administration and the various missions.

The future of the Xaverians in Italy counts on these houses, which also serve the local church to become more aware of its own specific missionary purpose.

Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

St. Francis of Assisi

Eucharistic Prayer

Remember Lord,
your Church throughout the world.
Free her of all evils
and perfect her in your love.
Gather her together from the four winds,
she has been sanctified in your Reign
that you have prepared for her.
Remember those in sorrow and in tears
and those in exile,
Remember those who are persecuted
in so many countries
and those who are dispersed with no hope.
Remember those who are in prison,
under the tyranny of selfish people.
Remember all of us, your children,
because your mercy is great
and your faithfulness lasts forever.
Yours is the Kingdom
and the Power,
and the Glory. Amen