owards the end of the 80s, the Xaverians thought of opening a house of formation for young men interested in entering our community, but the time did not seem right (even though some thought about it for the longest time). We needed to invite young men to the mission call as Xaverians, so that one day they would proclaim the Good News the world over.
This idea matured, and through the guidance of the General Direction, Fr. Antonio Rodriguez headed towards Bogotà in 1984, with this vocation focus in mind. He found an abandoned convent, used by the Assumption Sisters, and started to work at it, with the goal of having a training house for the future seminarians. Finally, in 1995, everything seemed ready. It first served as a house for Xaverians assigned to Colombia, a place in which they could study the language and become acquainted with the Latin-American reality of Colombia. At the same time, there was a movement of the Provincial Superior to reside in the capital
Bogotá. Because of this movement, the plans of a formation house in Bogotá moved towards Medellin, while the just acquired residence would be the Provincial Headquarters, with a community welcoming the new priests assigned to this country, and, at the same time, a community of missionary education and vocation promotion. Once again, Fr. Antonio went in search of a formation place in Medellin, where he established the philosophy house; Fr. Leonardo Raffaini, instead, took over the responsibility of
Bogotá.
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
Since its beginnings, this community collaborated with the “Parish of the Incarnation” (Barrio North Florencia), as well as other communities of the area Barrios, so that we would be known and begin a mission vocation discernment with the youth. If the occasion would rise, we would happily served in the parish of the Incarnation.
In November 2001, a new merger of Christian communities changed the name of the parish with the new title of “Our Lady of Topo,” and our community was asked to take full responsibility in it. That helped us tremendously in providing our presence in the parish, and at the same time, do our ministry in vocation promotion, sensitize people to their mission call as Christian communities, and be more involved in the archdioceses.
Fr. Leonardo Raffaini assumed the responsibility of pastor, helped by Fr. Mark Marangone, while Fr. Mauro Loda focused his attention on youth vocation activities. With August 2003 (amidst the changes of dioceses in Bogotà) Fr. Mark became pastor and Fr. Mauro, Br. Louis Pinna Fr. Enzo Tonini worked in Vocation Ministry.
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.”
(From Misioneros Javerianos de Parma)