n Sept 20th, the Xaverians in Franklin organized a get-together dinner for friends and benefactors to mark the celebration of the 50 years of presence in the Milwaukee area. Members of the Chicago community also attended this wonderful gathering, filled with memories, witness, photos and prayer

Fr. Schubert, who has been the Diocesan Advisor of the Xaverian Advisory Board for the last decade or so, began with a simple prayer of gratitude for the presence and support that the Xaverians have provided through the years in the Archdiocese. Following the simple dinner of over 200 guests and friends, Fr. Dominic thanked everyone for their constant commitment to the mission cause, and for their giftedness to the whole Xaverian congregation. Many of these friends, in fact, have come to know many of the 75 Xaverians who have served, studied, ministered and lived at Xavier Knoll. Throughout these 50 years, they have prayed, shown concern, supported projects far and wide, and have considered the Xaverians part of their own family.

Then came a 10-minute slide show presentation of various photos and memories through the years, since the early beginnings of Xavier Knoll: the first additions to the VanderHeyden’s house, the garage fire of 1966, the first spaghetti dinner, the various activities around the Knoll and in area parishes, the Mission Banquets, the Tiernan’s English classes, Fr. Conley’s list of “bambinos,” Fr. Dean’s support as Propagation of Faith director, the photos of friends and Xaverians who have gone to the Father’s House. All this, accompanied by the music of “The Way we were” and “What a Wonderful World.”

Finally, just before the concertina entertainment, Fr. Alfredo, with microphone in his hand, approached a few friends who recounted stories of the old times, as well as sharing their words of witness for the role that the Xaverians have had in their lives. As one of them shared: “The Missionaries think that we are a gift to them, because we have sustained them throughout all these years; and yet they need to know, loud and clear, that they have been a gift to us, our families, our parishes, our lives.”

It’s been indeed a blessing to be part of this celebration, and to have come to know so many of our friends and benefactors who have walked with us through these 50 years at Xavier Knoll, giving a great contribution to the missionary activities of the worldwide Church.

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