Next week the second collection is for the Missions. Fr. Mario Pereira sfx, a member of the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, presently working as a Pastor of St. Isaac Jogues in Niles, in the Archdiocese of Chicago, will be speaking at 3pm mass. Please be generous in your commitment for the work of the missions.

The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier

The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier is a Society of Apostolic Life founded on September 26, 1887 by Rev. Fr. Jose Mariano Bento Martins in Goa, India. It is the first indigenous society in India, with a charisma to be pioneering missionaries. The members of the Society (Order) serve the population of India and have opened missions and parishes in Nepal, England, USA, Germany, Austria, Italy, Australia and Africa. Today, there are about 355 priests and about 10 lay brothers and more than 200 Seminarians in different stages of priestly formation. The main work of the Society is among the Non-Christian people in India and Nepal. The Society intends to make headways in the areas where the church has not yet been established. The Society engages in works of social uplift and development without discrimination of caste class or creed. It has successfully transformed two missions into a diocese, with a strong Christian presence and vocations. This Society is a growing Society. Young men full of enthusiasm look forward to carry the banner of the Risen Lord to bring joy and healing to the suffering humanity in the most remote areas of India and Nepal. The congregation has so far two of its members as Bishops.

Education is a major area of focus. The Society manages primary and secondary schools, colleges, technical and engineering institutions. Its members operate in small teams in a variety of social outreach programs; manage orphanages and health care centers in rural areas. Their programs include rehabilitation of migrant people, adult literacy classes, and specific welfare for women, and training for social workers. The Society also provides emergency aid for those dealing with earthquakes or tsunami. Recently, the Kolkata Province has undertaken new missions in North-East India, close to China boarder, among the tribal. It is a challenging mission for the Society to bring about transformation in the lives of these people in these remote areas. Your assistance will go a long way to bring the good news of Jesus to these simple villagers.
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