nce every 4 years, the Xaverians serving in the USA gather together for discussions on pertinent topics of mission and religious life today. They also elect the new Provincial Administration to lead and guide our contributions to this church. The community at Xavier Knoll in Franklin has just finished putting the house in order after this week-long event, with rooms cleaned up, tables and chairs put away until the next Xaverian event, … and even the piles of snow are slowly disappearing.
The visitors from Rome, Frs. Luigi and Armando, appreciated their stay with us and their visits to local churches for Easter Triduum and celebrations. They enjoyed “socking in the beauty of the Easter celebrations”, the well-organized liturgies and prayerful moments in parishes.
Fr. Carl Chudy, missionary to the Philippines for 13 years, was elected the new Provincial of the USA Province, and he remarked: “We will continue the faith journey of the USA Province and I count on the prayer and support of all.”
We live in a country like the United States with its many religious and cultural facets: the challenges are many, and touch all the aspects of our mission presence here. Yet, our founder Blessed Conforti has been called a “man of new beginnings.” Together with him, we wish to be completely open to the future, which is in God’s hands. It is a future filled with hope and opportunities, and yet charged with challenges and uncertainties.
During the celebration of our Chapter, we experienced a risen Christ, unknown pilgrim, walking at our side like the two disciples of Emmaus. Now, with a new Administration, we feel “our hearts burning within us” as we get ready to begin anew, and like St. Peter, we will lower our nets “at His command.”
These were indeed days of rich sharing and brotherhood, enlightened by the presence of our Theology students who shared with us their joy-filled spirit, typically Xaverian.
(From Xaverian News)