“Make of the world one family”
Xaverian Mission Volume 57 - No. 2 |
Newsletter
May 2009
Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia
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aria’s three children were barely teenagers when the family fled home to escape the growing violence in Caqueta, a coca-growing region of southern Colombia.
Church’s Commitment with the Poor
We, the Xaverian Missionaries who are working in Colombia and 18 other countries worldwide, feel deeply that our Maria is just mission cannot one of more ignore the cries than 3 million of entire popupeople forced to lations who sufflee their homes fer the direct because of vioconsequences lence and of horrible threats by rightinjustices and wing paramiliarmed contary forces, leftflicts. Faithful wing guerillas to the example forces and the of Christ and resulting conflict his teaching with Colombia’s expressed in These are Bogota's Recyclers (Los Recicladores), people who earn army. The counjust enough money to live by sorting out trash in junkyards and the social doctry is enduring selling clothes and metal scraps. trine of the one of the worst Church, we must humanitarian act. crises in the hemisphere today. Forty years of internal conflict fueled by an array of armed groups has created a population of refugees second only to Sudan’s.
Saying “NO” to Violence Communities throughout Colombia are saying “NO” to the violent conflict, and “YES” to creating a lasting peace for all Colombians. More than forty years of violent conflict has caused great suffering for millions of Colombians, especially poor and marginalized communities, but has also inspired amazing efforts in Colombia to create a new vision for peace. Catholic Relief Services of the USA is organizing The Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia as an opportunity for Catholics in the United States to support our Colombian brothers and sisters in this vision.
The United States, which has provided in excess of $4.5 billion in foreign aid to Colombia over the last seven years, can contribute to long-term peace and stability in the country by shifting its focus to social development. Currently, 80 percent of U.S. aid to Colombia goes to the military for counter-narcotic and counterinsurgency activities. The remaining 20 percent is spent on economic and social development. The Colombian and U.S. bishops’ conferences have repeatedly called for a greater portion of aid to Colombia to be dedicated to investment in sustainable development, the defense of human rights and humanitarian support that has as its first priority longterm solutions for the displaced. (continued on page 2)
Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia
X averian Missionaries Provincial Headquarters 12 Helene Court Wayne, NJ 07470-2813 Tel.: (973) 942-2975 Fax: (973) 942-5012 Email: xavwayne@optonline.net Xavier Knoll Pre-Novitiate House 4500 Xavier Drive Franklin, WI 53132-9066 Tel.: (414) 421-0831 Fax: (414) 421-9108 E-mail: xavmissionswi@hotmail.com Mission Center & Fatima Shrine 101 Summer Street P.O. Box 5857 Holliston, MA 01746-5857 Tel.: (508) 429-2144 Fax: (508) 429-4793 E-mail: holliston.sx@gmail.com
International Theology House 1347 East Hyde Park Blvd. Chicago, IL 60615-2924 Tel. (773) 643-5745 E-mail: xavformation@hotmail.com St. Therese Catholic Chinese Mission 218 West Alexander Street Chicago, IL 60608-0000 Tel. (312) 842-6777 E-mail:
info_church@sttheresechinatown.org
Xaverian Mission Newsletter Official publication of the Xaverian Missionaries of the United States
Coordinating Editor Fr. Carl Chudy Editorial Team Fr. Tony Lalli Fr. Joseph Matteucig Fr. Alfredo Turco Layout Consultant Diamand Design Wrentham, MA Printing Rea-Craft Press, Inc. Foxboro, MA E-mail & Web:
xaverianmissionnewsletter@gmail.com www.xaviermissionaries.org
Donation: $15.00 per year
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The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Bogotá, Colombia’s First Church is a Roman Catholic cathedral of worship dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, is a neoclassical building located in Plaza de Bolivar in Bogota, the capital city. This cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Bogota. It is the largest Catholic church in Colombia and one of the largest in Latin America. (continued from cover)
In the face of violence, Maria remains defiant and hopeful. Recently, she was approached by a member of an armed group, who offered her a sewing machine and a stable income making uniforms. She refused — again. “I prefer to live this way with my kids, dealing with what comes to me — the good and the bad — because I have the Church and I have the good hearts of people I don’t even know and because I have my freedom,” she says. Colombia has the second largest number of internally displaced people in the world. Since the mid 1990s more than 3 million Colombians have been forced from their homes as a result of violence and threats by armed actors and efforts to forcibly gain control of land and resources from marginalized communities. Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities have disproportionately been targeted in this ongoing tragedy. Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Committee on International Policy for the US Catholic Bishops wrote to the Bishops of Colombia: “Such moments remind us of the on-going suffering of so many Colombians who yearn for justice and peace. I join you in praying for the end of all violence in Colombia and
Xaverian Mission Newsletter • May 2009
the restitution of a just peace for all Colombians. That those who continue to be held will know the freedom that belongs to them and that hearts of violence will be turned to peace and reconciliation.” Many other people of faith across the United States, Canada and Colombia joined in the ecumenical Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia on April 19-20, 2009. This act of missionary faith continues beyond these days. Take a look at the following resources: U
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earn more about the Colombian and International Church’s’ efforts and background on the Colombian conflict. Hold a vigil for peace in Colombia. Gather friends, community, church members or students to remember those who have been victimized by the Colombian conflict and to reflect on the United States’ role as a Church. You may use candles, join in moments of silence or prayer, and/or combine the vigil with a “walk for peace.” Catholic Relief Services Resources:
http://crs.org/public-policy/prayer-action.cfm
Xaverian Missionaries in the World
The Xaverian Missionaries in Colombia
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usic is one of the most beautiful expressions of any culture. The Colombian culture contains a variety of music genres. Song and dance accompany the special events of common man’s life. Cumbia, one of the genres of Colombian music, is a blend of the African and the Spanish music. Salsa, born in Puerto Rico and Cuba, became popular in Colombia. The Colombian music of the present times includes hip-hop, pop and rock music.
The Beginning The Xaverian Missionaries find themselves in this rich culture. Arriving in Colombia in 1975, we began our activity in the city of Buenaventura along the
coast, accompanying the people suffering from discrimination, poverty, narcotics, and violence. At the beginning, our presence was totally dedicated to and organized around parish pastoral activity. In Cali we worked in the outskirts of the city; while in Bogota we work on vocation activity among the youth, and global mission awareness and involvement within the church in Xaverian Missionary leading Palm Sunday Celebratiions Colombia. Today we are in a Barrio. clearly oriented towards Buenaventura (this was the first parish encouraging global mission vocations, entrusted to the Xaverians upon our even beyond the borders of Colombia. arrival in Colombia) because it had reached a sufficient degree of autonoEver Newer my and organization. We set out to look Challenges for other areas of work, more on the We recently handed the parish of the outskirts where shantytowns have Sacred Heart back to the diocese of sprung up: this is where biggest challenges to the evangelization are located. At this moment, we are committed in various ministries: in parish work, accompanying the Christian community in its growth and its mission commitment to be a missionary family open to the world, open to the missionary religious life, and open to the service of the church; vocation work, with its many meetings of youth who are yearning to serve God in this service as priests, sisters, and missionaries; mission education, especially with the newly founded Xaverian associations of lay people inspired by Blessed Guido M. Conforti, our Founder: they pray for us, and involve themselves in mission and vocation activities. We hope to be that “good seed that brings good fruit” according to God’s will, and hope that many more youth will involve themselves in the special vocation call of missionary life, following Jesus, bringing the message of a Loving Father who cares for us, so that “all may be one.” U
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Xaverian Missionaries in the World
My Missionary Life in Colombia
F A Xaverian Missionary from Mexico with children in one of our parishes in Colombia.
ather Enzo Tonini, a Xaverian Missionary from Udine, Italy, is working in our center in Bogota, Colombia. Fr. Tonini studied in Chicago, along with his fellow missionary priests, Frs. Mark Marangone and Mauro Loda who work with Fr. Enzo in Bogota.
Missionary Life Can be Complicated
Fr. Giovani Zampini, on his rounds in pastoral work.
Fr. Enzo writes: “They say that those who go to Latin America for a month, return from the experience speaking about it for an entire year. Those who go there for a year, speak about it for a month. Those who remain for ten years, prefer not to say anything. I find myself in this last group. The reality is complex and cannot be put into a few words.
Encouraging Missionary Vocations in Colombia
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Every true disciple is a missionary, and every true missionary continues to be a disciple. This seems to be the case in Latin America, whose enormous growth and passion for Christ seems to give it an eminent position in the future of the Church globally. This is the vision that defines my missionary work in
Xaverian Mission Newsletter • May 2009
Colombian Missionaries Whenever I meet young people in Colombia and I have the opportunity to speak about the importance of the missionary vocation, they respond with great interest. Many of these young people wish to look further into that interest and see if they may be called to such a challenging life choice. And some of them decide to take the leap and enter our seminary in Medellin. “
Fr. Enzo Tonini
The Bishops in Latin America have gathered in Aparecida, Brazil and reflected on a catchy theme: “Disciples and Missionaries.” As the discussion developed, the conjunction “and” was removed, and the title was changed to “Missionary Disciples.”
“Rata” is slang for “thief” in some Latin American countries and pointing at these business men symbolize the rampant corruption in Colombia.
Colombia. It is not an easy one, but Jesus never promised the work would be easy.
The Colombian Church to the World
To tackle the challenging situation on the Colombia-Ecuador border, an area plagued with narcotics traffic and illegal arms trade, the Colombian Catholic Church formed the Border Ministry Project. This project, which includes four dioceses each in Ecuador and Colombia, encourages displaced people, refugees and marginalized ethnic groups to participate in the social, economic and political aspects of their communities. In this and many other ways, the mission of the Colombian Catholic Church beyond its borders is growing. Fr. Enzo helps to encourage the growth of this mission of the Colombian Church to the world. U In part by Fr. Enzo Tonini, SX
Xaverian Missionaries in the USA
Interfaith Dialogue and Service Among Young People in the USA
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n a brisk fall day in 2007 in the big, beautiful city of Chicago I attended a national conference of college students entitled, “Crossing the Faith Line,” organized by the Interfaith Youth Core based in Chicago www.ifyc.org. I just had returned from 13 years of missionary work in the
the Earth, and how we can live out those values together to contribute to the betterment of our community. Even spiritual values of our common hunger for God come to the fore.
A Taste of Mission in the USA
Christian and Muslim young people come together in Chicago
As Xaverian Missionaries, a crucial part of our purpose is interreligious dialogue. This is part of our mission ad gentes, ad extra, which means we reach beyond the borders of faith and cultures. It goes further than mere tolerance for diversity. It is a state in which we respect one another’s religious identity, develop mutually enriching relationships with each other and work together to make this world a better place. Christians, Muslims and Jews in a service project in Chicago.
Philippines at that time, reassigned back to the USA, and searching how we could share our missionary charism with young people in this country today.
The Reality of Religious Pluralism among the Young There are millions of religious young people in the world, and in particular in this country, interacting with greater frequency. Instead of focusing a dialogue on political or theological differences, our mission is to build relationships on the values that we share, such as hospitality and caring for
The following year, in Holliston, Massachusetts, Fr. Joe Matteucig and I teamed with local Muslim Leaders to lead 150 Catholic teens, preparing for Confirmation, in an exploration of what it means to be Catholic in the religiously pluralistic world they live in. The message was that the 21st-century parish is to reach out to other faith communities in dialogue and service. U
Interfaith education program among children in Florida. Fr. Carl Chudy on Corregidor Island in Manilla Bay, Philippines
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Modern Day Slavery: The Catholic
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hen she was 13-years old and working as a waitress near Vera Cruz, Mexico, Rosa was offered an opportunity to make more money as a waitress in the United States by a man acquainted with her family. The man insisted that it was a no-lose situation-–Rosa could change jobs if she were not satisfied or even return home at any time if she wished.
Pope Benedict XVI deplored the “trafficking of human beings- especially women- which flourishes where opportunities to improve their standard of living or even to survive are limited.”
The young girl was quickly transported to a location near the Mexican-American border, where she met up with many more girls and their male companions. They walked together for four days through the desert before being smuggled across the Rio Grande to Brownsville, Texas. At this point, they were picked up again, trafficked all the way to a secluded area in Florida and left off near a collection of trailers. Rosa’s new life began here. She was immediately informed that she had been “bought,” and that the only way she could gain her freedom was to work as a prostitute. The trailers would serve as the makeshift brothels.
Human Slavery Today Tragically, Rosa’s story is an all-toocommon one both here in the United States and around the world. The practice of slavery still exists, it simply goes by a different, more antiseptic name: human trafficking. According to the United Nations, human trafficking specifically entails: “The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of
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Xaverian Mission Newsletter • May 2009
abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.”
Sex trafficking is not limited to foreign-born individuals. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 293,000 American youth are currently at risk of commercial sexual exploitation.
Human Trafficking from Three Xaverian Missions Japan Japan is a destination and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. Women and children trafficked to Japan for commercial sexual exploitation come from the People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Russia, and, to a lesser extent, Latin America. Japan is a transit country for persons trafficked from East Asia to North America. The majority of identified trafficking victims are foreign women who migrate to Japan seeking work, but are subjected upon arrival to debt bondage and forced prostitution.
Response to End Human Trafficking Mexico Mexico is a large source, transit, and destination country for persons trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. A significant number of Mexican women, girls, and boys are trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, often lured from poor rural regions to urban, border, and tourist areas through false offers of employment; upon arrival, many are beaten, threatened, and forced into prostitution. According to the Mexican government, up to 20,000 children are victimized in commercial sexual exploitation in Mexico every year, especially in tourist and border areas.
The Response of the Catholic Church The Catholic Church has assumed a pastoral responsibility to promote the human dignity of persons exploited through trafficking and slavery and to advocate for their liberation and economic, educational, and formative support. During Vatican II, the Catholic Church reaffirmed its historic concern about forced labor, stating that “slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children, [and] disgraceful working conditions where [people] are treated as mere tools for profit, rather than as free and responsible per-
Cameroon, Africa Cameroon is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. Most victims are children trafficked within the country, with girls primarily trafficked for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation. Both boys and girls are also trafficked within Cameroon for forced labor in sweatshops, bars, restaurants, and on tea and cocoa plantations. Children are trafficked to Cameroon from Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Congo, Benin, and Niger for forced labor in agriculture, fishing, street vending, and spare-parts shops. Cameroon is a transit country for children trafficked between Gabon and Nigeria, and from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia. It is a source country for women transported by sex trafficking rings to Europe, primarily France, Germany, and Switzerland.
Photos from Parc Cruz and Unicef
What You Can Do Here are some resources to look further into human trafficking and what you can do about it. sons” are “infamies” and “an affront to fundamental values . . . values rooted in the very nature of the human person.” Pope Benedict XVI deplored the “trafficking of human beings—especially women—which flourishes where opportunities to improve their standard of living or even to survive are limited.” Similarly the Holy See emphasized related concerns in a recent address at the United Nations, stating that treating a woman “not as a human person with rights on an equal basis with others, but as an object to be exploited, very often underlies violence against women.”
US Catholic Bishops www.usccb.org/mrs/trafficking/
Human Trafficking Search www.humantraffickingsearch.net
Polaris Project: For a World without Slavery www.polarisproject.org/
Human Trafficking: A Resource www.humantrafficking.org
Latest Statement from the US Catholic Bishops www.usccb.org/mrs/ OnHumanTrafficking.pdf
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World Mission Spirituality
Catholic Perspectives
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“Catholics also agree with the Koran on the importance of both justice and mercy”
Voorhees, New Jersey, United States - Wednesday February 20, 2008: Leaders of the Roman Catholic and Muslim communities of Southern New Jersey assembled at the Voorhees Muslim American Association’s mosque to sign a Letter of Cooperation and Understanding between the two faith communities.
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on the
Koran
new century, a new millennium are opening in the light of Christ. It is in this context that we should consider the great challenge of inter-religious dialogue to which we shall still be committed in the new millennium. In the climate of increased cultural and religious pluralism which is expected to mark the society of the new millennium, it is obvious that this dialogue will be especially The Hagia Sophia, one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, situated important in establishing in Istanbul, Turkey, has the depiction of Mary and Jesus on the upper a sure basis for peace and right side dome. warding off the dread specter of those wars of according to Jesus is to love direction for humanity, and religion which have so often God with one’s whole heart consider the original Arabic bloodied human history. The and soul and mind and text to be the final revelaname of the one God must strength (Mk 12:30, cf. Koran tion of God. The Koran also become increasingly what it 3:31). Catholics can agree refers to many events from is: a name of peace and a with the Koran that Jesus Jewish and Christian scripsummons to peace.” (54-55 and the prophets of ancient tures, some of which are At the Beginning of the Third Israel could be called retold in comparatively disMillennium, John Paul II) “Muslims” in the sense of tinctive ways from the Bible being persons who submitted and the Torah, while Catholics for the 21st themselves to God, and obliquely referring to other Century events described explicitly in called on others to do the Pope John Paul II called our same. those texts. attention to a crucial aspect Catholics also agree with the of the mission of Christ in Submission to God Koran on the importance of the world today where we as For Muslims, faith in One both justice and mercy Catholics live side by side God and one’s total surren(Koran 57:25, 76:8). The with our brothers and sisters der to God is called “Islam.” Bible repeatedly calls for of other faiths. In doing so, Only one life is valid, and justice in both personal and we seek to understand the this is submission to God societal relationships. The common ground of all faiths, (Koran 3:19). Catholics, like Koran calls Muslims to forparticularly of the other Christians, also stress give those who have Abrahamic faiths of the central importance of wronged them (3:134). Jesus Christianity, Judaism and faith as reception of God’s made his follower’s willingIslam. These are our efforts revelation and submission to ness to forgive others the toward peace. God. Jesus taught his discimeasure for God’s forgiveples to pray to God, “Your ness for them. We all stand Catholics and the Koran will be done” (Mt 6:10). on common ground in God. The Koran is the holy book Catholics see the core of this U of all Muslims. Muslims submission as a relationship believe the Koran to be the US Catholic Bishops, Revelation: of love. The chief command book of divine guidance and Catholic and Muslim Perspectives
Xaverian Mission Newsletter • May 2009
Become a Partner in Global Mission
Change the World in His Name
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sionary activie challenge ties. Your growyoung ing number is a sign of great people to consider hope for the following Christ as future of world missionaries. There is no doubt that mission.” Jesus is calling many (US Catholic Bishops, To the of you to serve the Ends of the Church as priests Earth, 61, 63) and religious in foreign lands. We pray The Church is that you will have here to change the courage to respond to that call Volunteers at helping out in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. the world, little by little, in the with the complete name of Christ. gift of yourselves. Your brothers and sisters in Be part of a project bigger than yourself, and mission lands are counting on you to share give your life for the benefit of others. Real the riches of the gospel with them. The happiness begins there. In light of this, check Church is counting on you, too. out below the brief directory of opportunities We are (also) inspired by the increase of com- in volunteer work, lay mission opportunities and religious missionary life. “Put out into mitted lay missionaries who answer the call the deep…” U to serve the gospel in other lands. You bring important expertise and enthusiasm into mis-
VISION CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS VOCATION NETWORK Vocation Match Vocation Directory Vocation Guide Magazine Opportunities Blogs and more… www.vocation-network.org
CATHOLIC NETWORK OF
VOLUNTEER SERVICES—WWW.CNVS.ORG Catholic Network of Volunteer Service (CNVS), established in 1963, is a nonprofit membership organization of 200 domestic and international volunteer and lay mission programs. Currently, more than 10,000 volunteers and lay missioners serve in these programs throughout the U.S. and in 108 other countries.
LAY MISSION HELPERS—WWW.LAYMISSIONHELPERS.ORG We are Catholic lay people, single men and women, married couples, and families, called through our baptism to mission. We seek to walk with the poor of other countries sharing our gifts, living our faith, and learning from one another. We are teachers, nurses, social workers, computer technicians, administrators, tradesman, and others who work together and strive to live a simple life close to the poor.
MARYKNOLL LAY MISSIONERS—WWW.MKLAYMISSIONERS.ORG Maryknoll Lay Missioners is a Catholic organization inspired by the mission of Jesus to live and work with poor communities in Africa, Asia and the Americas, responding to basic needs and helping to create a more just and compassionate world.
XAVERIAN MISSIONARIES—WWW.XAVIERMISSIONARIES.ORG The Xaverian Missionaries are an international religious congregation of priests and brothers living and working in 19 countries worldwide, from the Americas, Africa and Asia. We specifically live and work with peoples of other faiths and in cultures other than our own. Check out our blog at: www.xaverianmissionaries.blogspot.com
Xaverian Mission Newsletter • May 2009
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World Mission News Digest
World Mission News Digest Latest News from our Missions Worldwide
PHILIPPINES, ASIA
COLOMBIA, LATIN AMERICA
The police have arrested three police officers, two village leaders and two alleged Abu Sayyaf members, charging them with conspiracy to kidnap three Red Cross (ICRC) workers. The suspects, says the Philippine press, are believed to have given logistical support and of having given refuge to the rebels. Meanwhile, the army, police and volunteers encircling the Abu Sayyaf group have resumed their positions in Jolo to secure the release of Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss Andreas Notter, after Philippine Mary Jean Lacaba was released a few days ago.
Another wave of threats has once again swept across Colombia, this time warning of an imminent ‘social cleansing’ of ‘undesirable’ individuals from Colombian society. Colombian churches and others are reporting that the violence unleashed by these alleged paramilitary threats has already left three young people and seven fishermen dead in Chocó. ” We affirm that it is possible to transform this situation of violence through dialog and negotiation: The conflict that the nation is experiencing will not be solved by arms” (Archbishop Rubén Salazar, president of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference).
SIERRA LEONE, AFRICA
The Africa Faith and Justice Network [AFJN] strives to be a meaningful voice for Africa in U.S. public policy. AFJN stresses issues of human rights and social justice that tie directly into Catholic social teaching. AFJN works closely with Catholic missionary congregations and numerous Africa-focused coalitions of all persuasions to advocate for USA economic and political policies that will benefit Africa`s poor majority, facilitate an end to armed conflict, establish equitable trade and investment with Africa and promote ecologically sound development.
Three former leaders of the the United Revolutionary Front (RUF) have been handed jail sentences ranging from 25 to 52 years. In February, the Special Tribunal found them guilty of committing crimes against humanity for Sierra Leone (STSL), which handles crimes perpetrated during the war fought between 1991 and 2001. The longest sentence, 52 years, was handed to Issa Sesay, the last RUF leader. Morris Kallon, one of the most important commanders, and Augustine Gbao, ‘responsible’ for internal security, were given 25 years.
The Executive Director is Xaverian Missionary, Fr. Rocco Puopolo, SX Get Involved at: www.afjn.org
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Xaverian Mission Newsletter • May 2009
VATICAN, ROME On the occasion of the feast of Vesakh, the most important of feasts for Buddhists, in which they recall the main events from Buddha’s life, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue – as is customary – has written a congratulations message for the feast, which will be celebrated on April 8 in Japan and Taiwan, May 2 in Korea, and May 8 in all other nations of Buddhist tradition. The theme of the Message is “Witnessing to a Spirit of Poverty: Christians & Buddhists in Dialogue.” The Message reads: “While renewing our sense of closeness to you, Buddhists, in this period, it becomes clearer and clearer that together we are able not only to contribute, in fidelity to our respective spiritual traditions, to the well-being of our own
communities, but also to the human community of the world. We keenly feel the challenge before us all represented, on the one hand, by the ever more extensive phenomenon of poverty in its various forms and, on the other hand, by the unbridled pursuit of material possessions and the pervasive shadow of consumerism.” CHINA, ASIA Catholics of Baoding diocese in the northern Hebei province have spent Holy Week praying for their bishop, vicar general and seven other priests who have been detained for years. The whereabouts of Bishop James Su Zhimin (Zhemin), 74, and Vicar General Father Joseph Lu Genjun, 46, are unknown. They were detained in 1997 and 2006 respectively. Both have refused to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. The other Baoding priests were detained at different times and are being held without trial at Qingyuan county detention center, sources said. Church sources have described Baoding as “a stronghold of the underground Catholics” and that the authorities want to reduce the influence of their priests.
From our USA Communities
News from our USA Communities Hallmarks Reached in the Priesthood
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n his “Letter Testament” of 2 July 1921, Blessed Guido Conforti , founder of the Xaverian Missionaries, wrote: “The Lord could not have been more benevolent toward us.” On the 2nd of February, while celebrating the 50th anniversary Mass of my priestly ordination, I was taken back to the mind and heart of these words of our Founder. My first Two Masses 1959 I took a look into the first of my four-volume diary, which records the day and place of the celebration of my masses. For my first Mass I wrote this: “February 2 1959 - ordination (between 9.45 am and 10) in the church of Saint Sebastian in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The
laying on of hands was done by Auxiliary Bishop Atkielski. It’s a very cold day.”… “February 3 : First Mass in the chapel of the community at 7:15 am, in memory of my mother and father, brother and sisters.” The community was in the basement-chapel, heated by a wood stove that sometimes belched smoke. We had to be careful not raise the chalice too high during Mass so as not to hit the low ceiling. In the sacristy, as I was preparing for the celebration of the Mass, my heart was overwhelmed by a strong and deep emotion. My Missionary Journey After the novitiate, to pursue the missionary vocation,
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r. Joe Matteucig, pictured on the right with Fr. Alfredo Turco, instead celebrates 25 years as a missionary priest. Fr. Joe began his own missionary journey in the USA when he came to study theology in 1980. Ordained to the priesthood in June 23, 1984, for nine years he worked tirelessly fostering both awareness and involvement in the mission of the Church with youth and young adults. He left for Taiwan in October 1993 where he spent the next 13 years, seven of those years as Delegate Superior, developing a new mission in Taipei and heading the Youth Ministry Office of the Diocese of Taipei. Upon his return to the USA he leads our community in Holliston, Massachusetts and continues to promote the mission of the Church in the Archdiocese of Boston. After 25 years of priesthood, Fr. Joe quotes a famous hymn: “I have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trusting in his holy word. He has never failed me yet!”
together with two other confreres I was sent to the United States to complete our studies and formation for the priesthood. After ordination, I was assigned to the Us Province, and for fifteen years I was mission animator, teacher, treasurer, and formator of our philosophy and theology students. In 1974 I was sent to the Amazon Region of Brazil, What a change of ‘life style’! I remember the many visits to the villages scattered throughout the forest, along many rivers, large and small. How many meetings to train catechists and community leaders, how many baptisms and marriages! In each village and community we shared frugal meals and slept on hammocks hung between posts in the simple mud huts, where many others also took their rest. Then, unexpectedly, I was called upon to serve in the General Direction in Rome. At the end of six years in a position of leadership in the congregation, my missionary journey took me back to United States where, after other assigned roles, I’m now Director of Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston, MA, where people of different countries, languages and cultures come to pray to Mary, Mother of Jesus, missionary of the Father. Still Blessed Guido Conforti reminds me: “We must be fully indifferent to any office or employment, to go to this or that mission...” We too are grateful for the gift of Fr. Francis’ priesthood to us all. U
Fr. Francis Signorelli shares some thoughts as he celebrates 50 years as priest and missionary.
Wisconsin June 27-28, 2009 The Mission Festival Committee cordially invites you to our festival which helps support the work of the Xaverian Missionaries. You’ll enjoy music, live entertainment, outdoor food, home cooked dinners, game booths, $4,000 raffle prizes, Rummage Sale, Mission Tent, a huge Bake Sale Come all at 4500 Xavier Drive, (51st St. & Rawson Ave.), Franklin, Wisconsin.
Xaverian Mission Newsletter • May 2009
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Xaverian Mission Newsletter • May 2009
The Global Mission of the Church Remember the work of the Xaverian Missionaries in your Will Contact Fr. Frank Grappoli, SX for more Information
973.942.2975 E-mail: usasxprocure at hotmail.com
A shop in Bogota, Colombia, selling copies of the great Colombian figurative artist, Fernando Botero Angulo. See more of his works at www.boterosa.org/
The Xaverian Missioners Are Presently Serving In: Bangladesh • Brazil • Burundi • Cameroon • Chad • China • Colombia • Democratic Republic of Congo • France Great Britain • Indonesia • Italy • Japan • Mexico • Mozambique • Philippines • Sierra Leone • Spain • Taiwan • U.S.A.
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