The Xaverian Priest

Fr. Carl Chudy baptizes a little child in Manila, Philippines

Xaverian Priest is a man called by God and sent by the church to bring the people closer to God.  Enabled by Christ’s power in the sacrament of Holy Orders, the priest gathers a community by proclaiming God’s Word, teaching the values of the Gospel, providing guidance and leadership to his people, and celebrating with them the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.  

In his service, the priest will always be adapting to new circumstances, meeting new challenges, getting to know new people.  In doing this, he will find happiness and fulfillment by touching the lives of people, and even changing their course in life.  A priest is called to be a constant gift to the community, a sign of unity, a witness and a person who is in touch with God and the needs of the community.

A missionary priest is called to be a constant gift to the community, a sign of unity, a witness and a person who is in touch with God.

Lifestyle

A religious priest ordinarily is a member of a community, which goes beyond the geographical limits of any diocese.  He chooses to be a servant of God’s people and to live and work in a community for mutual support and accomplishment of some specific ministry.  For the Xaverians, our common goal consists in being missionaries in cross-cultural situations, among the non-Christians and the poor. The witness of a religious priest is to build community by ministering the Sacraments, visible signs of God’s presence, action and love in the world.  He offers his work and service in a variety of ways, such as overseas work, vocational guidance, teaching, renewal programs, parish related activities and justice and peace issues.  He lives in a religious community by praying, working, planning together with other priests and brothers who share the same values and ideals.

Service

A priest is ordained to build and nourish the Christian community and to minister to the deepest needs of the human person.  The priest focuses his activities on Serving the community by preaching the Gospel, training leadership, celebrating the sacraments, welcoming new Christians, being involved in youth and adult ministries.  A religious priest also leads the community through prayer and reflection of God’s Word, by participating at crucial and important moments of life (i.e. birth, death, marriage, sickness, etc.). Some Xaverian priests serve in ministries like health care, retreats and workshops, media and communications, administration, inter-religious dialogue with non-Christians, and social issues. Living as a Xaverian priest and being sent to another culture is a unique adventure and a challenge to see new ways to proclaim the Good News, to promote above all the Reign of God and its Justice, and to share the life and the conditions of some of the poorest people in the world.

Training

After his College Diploma, the training for a candidate to the Xaverian missionary priesthood entails up to one year for the Pre-Novitiate program, a one-year for the Novitiate, at least four years of Theological studies, with an optional mission experience.  After the completion of College, the whole period of formation and training of candidates to the Xaverian priesthood lasts from six to eight years.