September thoughts
This September 11 through 21st (International Day of Peace), communities and cities are competing together again for 10 days of "Coop-etition" through the 2nd annual Compassion Games. Compassionate Action Network International leads this worthy effort. Our faith commitment in Christ leaves us this unshakeable confidence that a world dreamed by God for us all begins with our own "random act of kindness." Let it be our personal legacy of faith.
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Fr. Carl Chudy sx Fr. John Convery sx
Xaverian Missionaries USA Xaverian Missionaries UK
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 Pope Francis calls for prayer and fasting for peace
Pope Francis called upon peacemakers around the world to fast and gather for prayer on Saturday, September 7. He said prayer services will be conducted in St. Peter's Square beginning at 7 p.m. Rome time and will last to midnight. "I have decided to proclaim for the whole church Sept. 7, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world," he said. "And I also invite each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all people of good will, to participate, in whatever way they can, in this initiative." We will gather together in prayer, in a spirit of penitence, to ask from God this great gift [of peace] for the beloved Syrian nation and for all the situations of conflict and violence in the world. "Never again war!" Francis said. "We want a peaceful world. We want to be men and women of peace." Find out more.
The Vatican statement said: "[A] path of dialogue and of negotiation among all components of Syrian society, with the support of the international community, is the only option to put an end to the conflict and to the violence, which, every day, cause the loss of so many human lives, above all among the defenseless population." Read more. The USCCB has issued positions on the possible bombing of Syria and an action call to urge Congress to choose dialogue.
"We must listen to the Pope's appeal for peace in Syria. If western countries want to create true democracy then they must build it on reconciliation, through dialogue between Christians and Muslims, not with weapons. This attacked being planned by the United States is a criminal act, which will only reap more victims,..." Gregory III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch of the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Melkites. Learn more
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Visit of the new Superior General to the UK
The Xaverians in the UK Region were pleased to welcome Fr. Luigi Menegazzo, the newly elected Superior of the Xaverian Congregation to Scotland from 27th to 30th of August. This was his first visit since the General Chapter and his main purpose was to meet with the Conforti Institute team and share some of the directives that emerged from the 16th General Chapter. He reminded us from the Constitutions that all types of dialogue are crucial to evangelization today and this is a specific dimension of the Xaverian charism.
The Chapter encouraged us to look for new responses and new ways to dialogue with other cultures. We are to reach out, be one with other cultures, for egoism is the enemy of true and authentic dialogue. Fr Luigi reminded us that we are called to encourage the Local Church to take seriously its universal mission through various means such as justice and peace initiatives and defending creation. The means to do this is are through dialogue with other cultures and religions and reaching, being in proximity of others, broadening our minds, our studies, our sensibilities and our spiritualities. We must endeavour to build a new conscience.
He praised the Conforti Institute for the gift that it is to the Congregation, the local Church and society at large. He saw the Conforti Institute's charism as promoting the human dignity of everyone and of uniting people in those noble values which we all share and which lead us towards the common good. The Conforti Institute has a real opportunity to enrich the Xaverian charism and he suggested that we collaborate more with the Xaverian regions of Italy, Spain and the USA, to circulate many the activates, initiatives, projects and experiences that are being developed at the Conforti Institute and to promote ecumenism, since the UK is the best place to do this.
The team then had the chance to respond and share some of the activities and programmes which are already happening but were hugely grateful for the support of the leadership of the Congregation and the shared vision which the Chapter documents highlighted. The full documents can be found here.
Above is a picture with some of the Conforti team with Fr. Luigi! Back row left to right: Jim Clarke, sx, John Convery, sx, Hugh Foy, Paulin Shardari Tutu, sx, Michael Canning Front row: left to right: Luigi Menegazzo, sx, Pauline Eadie
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 | | Peace One Day 2013 Campaign - Jude Law |
In this short film, Peace One Day Ambassador Jude Law asks who you will make peace with for Peace Day 2013. Join Jude and be part of the largest gathering of individuals for peace. Join the Movement in support of Peace Day 21 September. Register to access our free and fantastic education resources to spread peace. Learn more.
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 Remembering Nagasaki
Peace witnesses remembered on Nagasaki Day: Peace activists from around Britain gathered in London last Friday to remember witnesses for peace in the world. They also lamented the deaths of more than 70,000 people in Nagasaki on 9 August 1945 after the world's second nuclear bomb was dropped on the city by the United States. See more.
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 Conforti Institute
The Conforti Institute is home for Fr. Julius Kundi for the next few weeks. Fr. Julius is vice rector Good Shepherd Seminary, Kaduna, in Northern Nigeria. He is with us to raise awareness of the Seminar and to ask help in supporting the formation of priests. Before he leaves we will ask him for a reflection on his time with us. For more information...
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 Revisit the Dream
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 Prayer for Labor Day
There was a time in this country when we respected the women and men who worked in our schools, protected our cities, made our levels of government work, but not today.
Somebody has changed the rules and we will not be silent about it. Download the prayer here.
The United States observes Labor Day 2013 at a time when its income inequality is greater than any other developed nation. This lesson plan explores causes of inequality, considers the USCCB 2013 Labor Day statement, and offers resources for advocacy on the minimum wage.
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 Catholic Push to Overhaul Immigration Goes to Pews
Catholic bishops and priests from major dioceses across the country will preach a coordinated message next month backing changes in immigration policy, with some using Sunday Masses on Sept. 8 to urge Congressional passage of a legislative overhaul that includes a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants. Read more.
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 Being Catholic in a Cultural and Religious Diverse World Today
For missionaries and the global mission of the Church, the challenges of the New Evangelization are unique in the USA and elsewhere. Instead of focusing primarily on the needs of parishes and their renewal, a task more appropriate for diocesan priests and their leadership teams, missionaries seek to renew and enliven the mission of the Church to those who belong to other faith communities....That dialogue, collaboration and meaningful connection with Catholics beyond the borders of their parishes is not only with other faiths and cultures, but with those who do not believe at all and who find no home in any religion...Discover more.
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 Entrusting the Mission
Jesus came among us to show us the way of salvation and He entrusted to US the MISSION to make it known to all to the ends of the earth. (Pope Francis' Mission Sunday 2013 Statement)
If you wish to respond to this challenge by Pope Francis, know that it is something that we cannot do alone.
 Consider being part of our mission ministry as Xaverian Missionaries, priests and brothers who together reach out in love to witness the presence of Jesus in our world, offering hope and faith to those who thirst for new ways of relating to one another... Through prayer and service we can make a difference. We can make Him known.
Upcoming Prayer and Discernment Days to check out in September if Missionary Ministry is for you :
September 7th in Franklin, Wisconsin
September 14th in Wayne, New Jersey
September 15th in Holliston, Massachusetts
Contact Fr. Rocco for more information and details.
Sign-up for the event on our Facebook page.
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 Fight the Drug Culture
Pope to young people: Avoid drug and alcohol culture: Fight off a drug and alcohol-pushing culture and other hazardous trends sweeping across today's world, Pope Francis has told young people. More information:
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The Butler
 | | The Butler Official Trailer #1 (2013) - Oprah Winfrey, Forest Whitaker |
Lee Daniels' "The Butler," now in theaters, tells the story of White House butler who served eight U.S. presidents, while trying to support his family through turbulent times. Our discussion guide explores the challenges he faced in dealing while wrestling with racial discord and other tensions, still performing his job with dignity.
Download a discussion Guide here.
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New MOBILE APP
The Xaverian Missionaries have a new Mobile App. Now you can take us with you wherever you go. Remember: We are ALWAYS here for you!
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Church Teaching on World Mission
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ACrossBorders
Passion for Christ
Passion for Humanity
is a collaborative media project of the Xaverian Missionaries of the USA and the United Kingdom.
XAVERIAN MISSIONARIES 12 Helene Court Wayne, New Jersey 07470 |
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XMN
The August 2013 edition of the Xaverian Mission Newsletter is available online. Learn about The Xaverians' International General Chapter, the US Xaverians' Assembly, an interview with a Missionary in the Philippines, What Mission Appeals are all about, and lots more.
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Founder of the
Xaverian Missionaries
Saint Guido Maria Conforti
Our "missionary to the world" became a saint on World Mission Sunday, October 23, 2011.
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Saint Guido Conforti: The Bishop Who Loved the Whole World
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Check out our latest video on YouTube
 | | All God's Children |
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Join us In the Global Mission of the Church!
Thank you for sharing in our mission.
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