Professional Documents
Culture Documents
XMN February 2024
XMN February 2024
US
W W W. X AV E R I A N M I S S I O N A R I E S . O R G
4
Delegation of the Xaverian Missionaries
Delegation House
12 Helene Court
Wayne NJ, 07470
973-942-2975
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
101 Summer Street
Holliston, MA 01746
508-429-2144
Xavier Knoll
4500 West Xavier Drive
Franklin WI
414-421-0831
[email protected]
worldcatholic.us
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Fr. Mark Marangone, sx
Communications Board
Fr. Carl Chudy, sx
Br. Korneilus Glossanto, sx
Fr. Hery Junianto Mardadus, sx
6
Fr. Rocco Puopolo, sx
Fr. Alex Rodriguez, sx
Editor, Layout, Design
Mary Aktay
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AlphaGraphics, Totowa NJ
8 WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 2
Upholding the Highest Standards of
Abuse Prevention
MESSAGE OF THE
HOLY FATHER POPE
FRANCIS FOR THE II
GLOBAL REFUGEE
FORUM
Geneva, 13-15 December 2023
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 3
X AV E R I A N M A R T Y R S
The Context of the Congo in 1964 Vittorio Faccin: The Compassionate Brother
The Congo of 1964 was a hotbed of political and Vittorio Faccin, born in 1934, was known for his compassion
social tensions. Following its independence in 1960, and dedication to the sick and disadvantaged. His work in
the country descended into chaos of power struggles Baraka was tragically interrupted when he was murdered by
and rebellions. In this context, Xaverian missionaries rebels, an act that reflects the intensity of the persecution
worked tirelessly to bring the message of Christ to local the missionaries faced.
communities, often in extremely dangerous conditions.
This commitment to the mission and love for the Albert Joubert: The Bridge between Cultures
Congolese people were unwavering, even in the face of Albert Joubert, diocesan priest, worked side by side with the
growing hostility and violence. Xaverian missionaries. His work in Fizi and his martyrdom
Luigi Carrara: A Brave Heart alongside Giovanni Didonè highlight his commitment to the
mission and his bravery in the face of adversity.
Luigi Carrara, born in 1933, was known for his
bravery and deep faith. As a missionary in Baraka, he A Legacy of Faith and Sacrifice
dedicated himself to the education and spiritual care of The martyrdom of our brothers is an immense legacy that
the community. His death, along with Brother Vittorio reminds us of the importance of faith and sacrifice in a life
Faccin, is a testament to his steadfastness in faith and consecrated to the mission. Their example of courage,
his refusal to abandon his mission, even in the darkest love and dedication continues to inspire generations of
moments. missionaries and faithful around the world.
Giovanni Didonè: The Tireless Servant Their beatification is a source of joy and blessing for our
Giovanni Didonè, born in 1930, stood out for his tireless missionary family. It reminds us that, despite difficulties and
service and love for those most in need. Working at challenges, God’s work continues through those who are
Fizi, he became a pillar of support and spiritual guide to willing to give everything for love of God and God’s people.
many. His martyrdom, alongside diocesan priest Albert Today, as we celebrate the recognition of these brave
Joubert, is a reminder of the brutality they faced and martyrs, we Xaverians renew our commitment to the
their unwavering commitment to his vocation. mission and the values that they incarnated. May their
example guide us and inspire us to live our mission with the
same courage and unconditional love.
WORLDCATHOLIC.US
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NEWS 4
Alessandro De Carolis Vatican News, December 14, 2023
Luigi Carrara and Giovanni Didonè were professed priests of the Pious Society of St. Francis Xavier for the Foreign
Missions (Xaverians). Together with Vittorio Faccin, a professed religious of the same Society, and the diocesan
priest Albert Joubert, they were killed on 28 November 1964 in Baraka and Fizi. The two locations are found in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, which at that time was experiencing a complex transition from Franco-Belgian colo-
nialism to a new socio-political scenario, characterized by unrest that also involved the Church, which was the victim
of repeated looting, persecution, and outrages. While many missionaries decided to leave the country, the Xaverians
remained, and in the early afternoon of 28 November 1964 a military jeep stopped in front of the church in Baraka
and the leader of the rebels opposed to the dictator Mobutu ordered Brother Faccin to get into the vehicle. When
he refused, he was shot dead. Father Carrara, who was hearing confessions, came out to see what had happened
and instead of getting into the jeep, he knelt in front of his brother’s body and was also assassinated. The remains
of the religious were desecrated horribly and carried around the village. One of the militiamen who took part in this
terrible exhibition later converted. Towards evening, the squadron arrived in Fizi and the leader knocked on the door
of the mission, killing Father Didonè in cold blood when he came to the door, and shortly afterwards doing the same
to Albert Joubert.
MissioNet is producing a series of six documentaries in French, Italian and Spanish titled
Insieme nella Vocazione Missionaria e nel Martirio (Sharing in the Same Missionary Vocation
and Martyrdom). The purpose of this series is to spread knowledge of and love for the life
witness given by the four new martyrs, our confreres Vittorio Faccin, Luigi Carrara, Giovanni
Didonè, and the diocesan priest Albert Joubert. Look for the series at https://www.youtube.
com/@MissioNET
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WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 55
Christ King of the Universe: Vision
from Confortian Spirituality
Fr. Rubén Antonio Macias all perfection, whom Jesus Christ has taught In Conforti’s experience, the Reign of God in
us to invoke with the sweet name of God? [3] our souls cannot remain a mere “desire” or
T
Sapien sx feeling, or a moral or spiritual commitment.
In this sense, the “entry into the Kingdom” that
he spiritual experience of San Jesus preaches so much in the gospel is not The love of God experienced in the
Guido Maria Conforti can help an entrance to a physical, territorial place, but contemplation of the crucifix must lead us to
us delve into the profound rather an “entering into the mystery of God’s a commitment to justice and “living faith” and
meaning of Christ the King. The love.” For Conforti, the means that help us a total and coherent dedication to the service
two fundamental pillars of his spirituality possess this supernatural life, and enter His of the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten,
are: Christo-centrism and mission in its Kingdom are two: the contemplation of the to the living example of Christ, who did not
universal perspective. From these spiritual Crucifix and the experience of a “living faith.” come to be served, but to serve and give
axes, the Kingdom is understood as a reign his life as a ransom for a multitude to give
The Crucifix is the icon of Conforti’s
where Christ is the center and generates in his life.” [5] Here we enter the third aspect
experience; those moments of contemplation
us a relationship, a belonging, a closeness, of Conforti’s doctrine on the Kingdom: the
in his early age are the basis of his entire
a lifestyle. It is not a Kingdom in the search for God’s justice.
mystical experience. The crucifix is the true
territorial sense, but a reign that implies “The Kingdom of God that is among us must
image of that King who invites us to enter
this relationship that Conforti was able to be, therefore, the kingdom of justice, of that
into the dynamics of love and surrender. It is
understand and live thanks to his Christ- justice that Christ, through his example and
the Cross, the true throne and the self-giving
centered and missionary spirituality. The his word, has come to establish.” [6]
love of it which shows the fundamental law of
reign of Christ is not limited by a territory.
the Kingdom. In Conforti’s doctrine, “the Kingdom of God,
It is universal in the soul of every human
We contemplate the Face of Christ that which is among us” is also “the foretaste of
being.
shows us the strength of God’s universal that day of light and joy that knows no sunset.”
Bishop Conforti was a child of his time [7]
It does not deny an eschatological vision
salvation project and tells us all the dedication
In his speeches, reflections, catechesis of the Kingdom itself but also, (and here a
(kenosis) of Jesus to fulfill that project. This
and homilies He identifies the Church novelty for its time) it is a Kingdom to be lived
shows us all the urgency of realizing the
with the Kingdom. However, “when he and worked for its advent in the present day
Kingdom. Here we connect with Conforti’s
deals specifically with the Kingdom, his of our history. “And this happiness that awaits
second and fundamental idea, the urgency
reflection becomes deeper. His preaching us beyond this life, properly constitutes the
of extending such a Kingdom.
is internalized, the horizon broadens until it Kingdom of God of which Christ speaks
reaches universal dimensions.” [1] The extension of the Kingdom is carried
out thanks to the missionary action of the so frequently in his Gospel. Kingdom that
Three reflections are repeated in his is reserved for those who have previously
Church. This is the other fundamental
writings: the interiority of the Kingdom, the belonged from the present life to the Kingdom
aspect of Conforti’s spirituality: the universal
urgency of extending the Kingdom of God, of truth, grace and justice.” [8]
mission, which led him to found our beloved
the search for its justice. [2] Every person therefore has a role, an action,
congregation, the mission of announcing
What does the Kingdom of God consist and making present the Kingdom of God a commitment, according to their own
of? Conforti described it as a “desire for throughout the world. personal situation to make the Kingdom of
relationship,” a desire that encompasses God present.
Saint Guido explains to us this other axis that
every being in the universe; “The Kingdom
led him to live this strong spirituality and that
of God, considered in its broadest [1 (Anthology of the writings of Guido Maria Conforti,
[1]
is for us a treasure, a heritage to multiply and
understanding, is the desire of the universe, Kingdom of God, page 641)
spread. It is the experience of a “living faith,” [2] Ibidem, p. 642
it is the desire for life forever: since, as each
which allows us to “see God, seek God, love [3] 1917, August 15, Parma-Cathedral, homily for the feast of
flower in a certain way desires to open to
God in everything, increasing in us the desire the Assumption “Adveniat regnum tuum”: FCT 17,30-31)
the light, so each thing, in its own way, longs [4] Letter Testament, n.10
to spread his Kingdom everywhere.” [4]
to live with God. In fact, what is our life if [5] Matthew 20:28
not a constant longing towards the region From these two pillars arises a deeply interior [6] 1917, August 15, Parma-Cathedral, Homily for the Feast of
of consolation, light, peace, towards the and wonderfully missionary spirituality, open the Assumption “Adveniat regnum tuum”: FCT 17,35-36)
[7] 1917, August 15, Parma-Cathedral, Homily for the Feast of
fullness of vision and love, that is, towards to the entire world, open to the universality of the Assumption “Adveniat regnum tuum”: FCT 17,38)
the Supreme Being, origin of all being and Christ’s Kingdom. [8] Ibid.
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Painting by Fr. Angelo Costalonga, sx ((1931 - 2020)
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 7
The “Human Face” and Integral
Evangelization in the Ad Extra Mission
A Reflection by the Xaverian Missionaries in Mexico
(reprinted from the General Direction of the Xaverian Missionaries)
A
fundamental aspect of the human face of the Xaverian is to work for the integral human person.
For the Xaverian, announcing the Kingdom of God goes beyond the simple preaching of a
doctrine or the search for “adepts” of the Catholic religion. The mission of the Xaverian is
oriented to the daily reality of the people, to walk alongside them, and embodies the values of the
faith lived in a particular place. This implies for the Xaverian to be deeply human in apostolic action and in
dealings with people.
We are not dedicated to exclusively religious or spiritual areas, we work to evangelize and transform the
situation of people and peoples; We work for the human person in a comprehensive way, attending to
health, education, and the progress of families and peoples. We also work in defense of human rights, but
without being tied to partisan politics.
In everyday life, it means participating in the life of families, sharing work, fatigue, hunger, friendship, as
well as in the realities that sometimes lead human beings to extreme situations, to hitting rock bottom,
as it is suffering and sin with all the consequences that it entails, to seek and save what was lost.
Accompanying people on their paths of life and faith; creating bonds of solidarity and communion as a
principle of justice and peace, as a path to alleviate poverty.
We list some points of what the “human face” means in an ad extra situation:
1. Be sensitive to the local reality:
Each community is unique, with its own traditions, problems and challenges. The missionary must be
sensitive to this diversity and adapt his approach and action. It is not about imposing a single way of
thinking or believing, but rather making the light of the gospel shine from the culture that embraces it from
its values and its way of seeing life. He also lives informed of what is happening in the country where he
lives.
2. Embody spirituality in everyday life:
The Xaverian does not limit himself to talking about faith as a simple transmission of a religious message.
The Xaverian is capable of recognizing how faith is incarnated in the ordinary lives of people and from
there he strives to lead a life that reflects and promotes the principles and values of the gospel: mercy and
forgiveness, compassion and solidarity, love of neighbor and justice, truth and peace. This involves times
of prayer and discernment to understand the values of a culture, discern the seeds of the Word and what
is opposed to the values of the Kingdom.
3. Selfless service:
The work of the missionary must be marked by gratuitousness, by selfless service. He must also be willing
to help with the practical needs of the community, such as medical care, education, food support, etc. The
act of serving others is a powerful way to transmit the Christian values of love, brotherhood, compassion
and the dignity of each person.
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Photo of Xaverian Missionary in Mozambique
courtesy of the Xaverian Missionaries General Direction
The Xaverian is willing to get involved and serve in the life of the community he serves. This means
listening to people, understanding their needs, and being present for their joys and challenges. Empathy
and closeness are crucial to building meaningful relationships and for evangelizing work to be effective.
The Xaverian remains in a state of listening and service.
4. Intercultural and religious dialogue:
Openness to dialogue with people of different religions and cultures not only enriches your own
understanding of the culture or religion of a people, but also fosters tolerance and mutual respect. Respect
for the beliefs of others is essential for effective evangelistic work.
5. Teaching and support:
The work of the missionary involves not only the transmission of faith, but also spiritual accompaniment
throughout the path of conversion. He must be willing to teach, answer questions, and guide people in
their spiritual quest. This requires patience and a deep understanding of the faith being shared.
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 9
World Mission News “Making of the World One Family...”
The Black Nazarene procession in the healing. The Philippines is the only country in directive, UCA News, a Catholic Asian news
Philippines, one of the largest religious Asia with a Catholic majority, with over 80% of site, reported.
devotions in the world, returned this year the population belonging to the Church. [T]he procession, which lasted 15 hours,
to its traditional size for the first time since The image of Jesus used in the procession is was generally peaceful, although the
the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, believed to have been brought from Mexico Philippine Red Cross said hundreds needed
attracting millions of devotees. to Filipino shores in 1606 by missionaries of medical attention due to heat stroke and
The procession, known locally as the Order of Augustinian Recollects. The life- injuries caused by the crowds.
“Traslacion,” sees devotees carry across size statue of Jesus is today enshrined in the The procession, according to Monsignor
Manila a replica of a famous life-size famous minor basilica popularly known as the Jose Clemente Ignacio, formerly the rector
statue of Jesus carrying a black wooden Quiapo Church, located in the Archdiocese of of Quiapo Church, commemorates “the
cross. Taking place each year in January, Manila. First enshrined at St. John the Baptist transfer of the image from Luneta to Quiapo,
this year’s event marked a return to the Church in Luneta, the image was transferred to when we first received the statue in 1868.”
traditional procession after three years Quiapo in 1868.
of drastic downsizing due to the threat of In addition, he said, “‘Traslacion’ means the
The original statue has survived fires that transfer of the Image of Black Nazarene. In
COVID-19. destroyed the church twice, two earthquakes, a way it is imitating the Calvary experience:
In 2020, 2021, and 2022 the procession the floods of numerous typhoons, and the sacrifice and suffering that Our Lord
was essentially canceled entirely. In 2023, bombings during World War II. Quiapo Church endured for our salvation like when Jesus
an estimated 103,277 faithful participated, receives thousands of Catholics every day for was walking barefoot, carrying the cross to
far fewer than in past years. Mass and confession. Mount Calvary.”
This year, as in years before the pandemic, This year, the icon was placed in a glass
millions of mostly barefoot devotees turned case for the first time, and participants were Photo: SwarmCheng, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://
out along the procession route, hoping to banned from getting onto the float as they have creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via
touch the statue and obtain a miracle or in previous years, though many ignored the Wikimedia Commons
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 10
USA NEWS DELEGATION HOUSE, WAYNE NJ
Weekly Scripture Study
The Scripture study group meets on Fridays at 1:30 PM in the library. In addition to Bible
passages, liturgical celebrations, and popular devotions are also discussed. Please email Fr.
Michael Davitti, sx, for more information. [email protected]
Help the Xaverian Missionaries continue to “make of the world one family.” Either clip this paper and send it to the address below or help the
environment by donating online at: https://www.xaverianmissionaries.org/support/
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 11
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