Africa

frica is the continent of Christian hope. Once China had closed its doors to missionaries, Xaverians felt the call to work in other lands still deprived of the heralds of the Gospel. The first African mission began in Sierra Leone in 1950. Later Xaverians entered the “green heart” of Africa by opening missions in former Zaire (1958), presently D.R. Congo, and Burundi (1960). Following the massive expulsion of Burundi, new missions were opened in Chad and Cameroon (1982). Our latest opening is Mozambique (1995).

Since 1950, the Xaverian Missionaries have worked in the north of Sierra Leone, where the population is predominantly Muslim. We concentrated our attention on schools, provided programs for the poor, health care projects, a campaign to care for victims of leprosy, and rehabilitation of child soldiers following the present civil war. 

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Xaverian Missionaries directed their attention to create prepared Christians. We multiplied the mission stations, built schools, prepared leaders, and provided for the birth of numerous Christian communities. Our first African martyrs, Fr. Didone, Fr. Carrara, and Br. Faccin, were killed during the civil conflict in 1964. 

In Burundi, the efforts of the early missionaries were blessed with success and the number of Christian communities increased. We sustain Christian communities, develop social works, and care for youth and families. Because of today’s tragic events and bloody divisions, we are called to work for peace and reconciliation. Our latest martyrs, Fr. Maule, Fr. Marchiol and lay volunteer Gubert, were killed in Buyungero in September 1995. 

In Cameroon, about 30 Xaverians work for the formation of the laity and catechists, for the establishment of basic Christian communities, and for the training of Theology students. 

The Christian message is 60 year old in Chad, and the Xaverian Missionaries promote the formation of leaders of communities, sharing the Gospel values, in this Muslim nation. 

We have just begun a mission project in Mozambique, East Africa, with the founding of two Xaverian communities. Bringing the Gospel in this Muslim country, as well, presents its challenges. We feel compelled by the mission of the Church, and the invitation of Christ who cares for the other sheep who are not part of his fold.