WORLDCATHOLIC.

US
W W W. X AV E R I A N M I S S I O N A R I E S . O R G

News VOL. 72 NO. 1 FEBRUARY 2024

NEWSLETTER OF THE XAVERIAN MISSIONARIES USA

Photo:: Saint Guido Conforti’s Crucifix at the Xaverian Missionaries Motherhouse in
Parma, Italy (Mary Aktay )
 SUMMARY
3 Papal Message for the Global Refugee
Forum
4-5 Recognition of Xaverian Martyrs
6-7 Confortian Spirituality
8-9 The “Human Face” of Evangelization
10 World News
11 USA News

WORLDCATHOLIC.US News Magazine

Official publication of the United States

4
Delegation of the Xaverian Missionaries
Delegation House
12 Helene Court
Wayne NJ, 07470
973-942-2975
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
101 Summer Street
Holliston, MA 01746
508-429-2144
Xavier Knoll
4500 West Xavier Drive
Franklin WI
414-421-0831
missionmedia@xaverianmissionaries.org
worldcatholic.us
Publisher
Fr. Mark Marangone, sx
Communications Board
Fr. Carl Chudy, sx
Br. Korneilus Glossanto, sx
Fr. Hery Junianto Mardadus, sx

6
Fr. Rocco Puopolo, sx
Fr. Alex Rodriguez, sx
Editor, Layout, Design
Mary Aktay
Printer
AlphaGraphics, Totowa NJ

Please consider donating to the Xaverian

Missionaries through our Communities
listed above or online at https://www.
xaverianmissionaries.org/support/.
Please also consider naming the St. Francis
Xavier Foreign Mission Society in your Will.
Together we can help St. Guido Conforti’s
vision to “Make of the World One Family”
become a reality.

8 WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 2
Upholding the Highest Standards of
Abuse Prevention
MESSAGE OF THE
HOLY FATHER POPE
FRANCIS FOR THE II
GLOBAL REFUGEE
FORUM
Geneva, 13-15 December 2023

Today, nearly 114 million people are forcibly

displaced, many internally, due to conflicts,
violence and persecution, including on the basis
of religious beliefs, as well as the effects of
climate change. These factors have grown increasingly complex, yet our responses have not adequately addressed
these emerging and pressing challenges. As a result, we continue to mourn the countless lives lost on land and at sea
while seeking protection or fleeing from a hopeless future.
Protecting and saving human lives must remain our utmost priority. Today, we are overwhelmed by an abundance of
news and statistics, and we often forget that behind these numbers there are human faces, each with their own story
and suffering. Each number represents one of our fellow brothers and sisters who are in need of help.
Therefore, the principle of safe and voluntary repatriation of those who are forced to flee must be strictly adhered
to. No one should be repatriated to a country where they could face severe human rights violations or even death.
Conversely, “we are all called to create communities that are ready and open to welcome, promote, accompany and
integrate those who knock on our doors” (Pope Francis, Angelus, 24 September 2023).
To this end, we must acknowledge that being a refugee should not be a mere granting of a status, but a recognition
of a full God-given human dignity. As members of the same human family, each individual deserves a place to
call home. That means having food, access to healthcare and education, and a dignified work. However, it also
means having a place where you are understood and included, loved and cared for, where you can participate and
contribute. Refugees are persons with rights and duties, not just objects of assistance. They may not always be able
to choose when to move, but when circumstances dictate it, they should not be denied a new start, where their talents
and skills become a resource for the host communities. Only by including refugees as a part of the solution can they
flourish as human beings and sow their seeds in the place where they live.
Recognizing the progress achieved and the work still to be done, we stand at a crucial moment, that is to choose
“either the culture of humanity and fraternity, or the culture of indifference.” The decision is vital, as “history
is challenging us to make a leap of conscience in order to prevent the shipwreck of civilization” (Pope Francis,
“Rencontres Méditerranéennes”, 22 September 2023)
Read the entire message at https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2023/
documents/20231214-messaggio-refugee-forum.html
Image: Mstyslav Chernov, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia
Commons

WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 3
X AV E R I A N M A R T Y R S

Recognition of the Xaverian

Martyrs Fr. Gabriel Arroyo, sx
The declaration of martyrdom by the Holy See of our Xaverian brothers Luigi Carrara sx, Giovanni Didonè
sx, Vittorio Faccin sx and the diocesan priest Albert Joubert, murdered in 1964 in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo, is an event of profound significance for our missionary family and for the universal Church.
This recognition not only honors their extreme sacrifice, but also illuminates the path of faith, hope and
unconditional love that they embodied.

The Context of the Congo in 1964
The Congo of 1964 was a hotbed of political and
social tensions. Following its independence in 1960,
the country descended into chaos of power struggles
and rebellions. In this context, Xaverian missionaries
worked tirelessly to bring the message of Christ to local
communities, often in extremely dangerous conditions.
This commitment to the mission and love for the
Congolese people were unwavering, even in the face of
growing hostility and violence.
Luigi Carrara: A Brave Heart
Luigi Carrara, born in 1933, was known for his
bravery and deep faith. As a missionary in Baraka, he
dedicated himself to the education and spiritual care of
the community. His death, along with Brother Vittorio
Faccin, is a testament to his steadfastness in faith and
his refusal to abandon his mission, even in the darkest
moments.
Giovanni Didonè: The Tireless Servant
Giovanni Didonè, born in 1930, stood out for his tireless
service and love for those most in need. Working at
Fizi, he became a pillar of support and spiritual guide to
many. His martyrdom, alongside diocesan priest Albert
Joubert, is a reminder of the brutality they faced and
their unwavering commitment to his vocation.
Vittorio Faccin: The Compassionate Brother
Vittorio Faccin, born in 1934, was known for his compassion
and dedication to the sick and disadvantaged. His work in
Baraka was tragically interrupted when he was murdered by
rebels, an act that reflects the intensity of the persecution
the missionaries faced.
Albert Joubert: The Bridge between Cultures
Albert Joubert, diocesan priest, worked side by side with the
Xaverian missionaries. His work in Fizi and his martyrdom
alongside Giovanni Didonè highlight his commitment to the
mission and his bravery in the face of adversity.
A Legacy of Faith and Sacrifice
The martyrdom of our brothers is an immense legacy that
reminds us of the importance of faith and sacrifice in a life
consecrated to the mission. Their example of courage,
love and dedication continues to inspire generations of
missionaries and faithful around the world.
Their beatification is a source of joy and blessing for our
missionary family. It reminds us that, despite difficulties and
challenges, God’s work continues through those who are
willing to give everything for love of God and God’s people.
Today, as we celebrate the recognition of these brave
martyrs, we Xaverians renew our commitment to the
mission and the values ​​that they incarnated. May their
example guide us and inspire us to live our mission with the
same courage and unconditional love.

WORLDCATHOLIC.US
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 4
NEWS 4
 Alessandro De Carolis Vatican News, December 14, 2023
Luigi Carrara and Giovanni Didonè were professed priests of the Pious Society of St. Francis Xavier for the Foreign
Missions (Xaverians). Together with Vittorio Faccin, a professed religious of the same Society, and the diocesan
priest Albert Joubert, they were killed on 28 November 1964 in Baraka and Fizi. The two locations are found in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, which at that time was experiencing a complex transition from Franco-Belgian colo-
nialism to a new socio-political scenario, characterized by unrest that also involved the Church, which was the victim
of repeated looting, persecution, and outrages. While many missionaries decided to leave the country, the Xaverians
remained, and in the early afternoon of 28 November 1964 a military jeep stopped in front of the church in Baraka
and the leader of the rebels opposed to the dictator Mobutu ordered Brother Faccin to get into the vehicle. When
he refused, he was shot dead. Father Carrara, who was hearing confessions, came out to see what had happened
and instead of getting into the jeep, he knelt in front of his brother’s body and was also assassinated. The remains
of the religious were desecrated horribly and carried around the village. One of the militiamen who took part in this
terrible exhibition later converted. Towards evening, the squadron arrived in Fizi and the leader knocked on the door
of the mission, killing Father Didonè in cold blood when he came to the door, and shortly afterwards doing the same
to Albert Joubert.

MissioNet is producing a series of six documentaries in French, Italian and Spanish titled
Insieme nella Vocazione Missionaria e nel Martirio (Sharing in the Same Missionary Vocation
and Martyrdom). The purpose of this series is to spread knowledge of and love for the life
witness given by the four new martyrs, our confreres Vittorio Faccin, Luigi Carrara, Giovanni
Didonè, and the diocesan priest Albert Joubert. Look for the series at https://www.youtube.
com/@MissioNET

WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 55
Christ King of the Universe: Vision
from Confortian Spirituality
Fr. Rubén Antonio Macias
T
Sapien sx
he spiritual experience of San
Guido Maria Conforti can help
us delve into the profound
meaning of Christ the King. The
two fundamental pillars of his spirituality
are: Christo-centrism and mission in its
universal perspective. From these spiritual
axes, the Kingdom is understood as a reign
where Christ is the center and generates in
us a relationship, a belonging, a closeness,
a lifestyle. It is not a Kingdom in the
territorial sense, but a reign that implies
this relationship that Conforti was able to
understand and live thanks to his Christ-
centered and missionary spirituality. The
reign of Christ is not limited by a territory.
It is universal in the soul of every human
being.
Bishop Conforti was a child of his time
In his speeches, reflections, catechesis
and homilies He identifies the Church
with the Kingdom. However, “when he
deals specifically with the Kingdom, his
reflection becomes deeper. His preaching
is internalized, the horizon broadens until it
reaches universal dimensions.” [1]
Three reflections are repeated in his
writings: the interiority of the Kingdom, the
urgency of extending the Kingdom of God,
the search for its justice. [2]
What does the Kingdom of God consist
of? Conforti described it as a “desire for
relationship,” a desire that encompasses
every being in the universe; “The Kingdom
of God, considered in its broadest
understanding, is the desire of the universe,
it is the desire for life forever: since, as each
flower in a certain way desires to open to
the light, so each thing, in its own way, longs
to live with God. In fact, what is our life if
not a constant longing towards the region
of consolation, light, peace, towards the
fullness of vision and love, that is, towards
the Supreme Being, origin of all being and
all perfection, whom Jesus Christ has taught
us to invoke with the sweet name of God? [3]
In this sense, the “entry into the Kingdom” that
Jesus preaches so much in the gospel is not
an entrance to a physical, territorial place, but
rather an “entering into the mystery of God’s
love.” For Conforti, the means that help us
possess this supernatural life, and enter His
Kingdom are two: the contemplation of the
Crucifix and the experience of a “living faith.”
The Crucifix is the icon of Conforti’s
experience; those moments of contemplation
in his early age are the basis of his entire
mystical experience. The crucifix is the true
image of that King who invites us to enter
into the dynamics of love and surrender. It is
the Cross, the true throne and the self-giving
love of it which shows the fundamental law of
the Kingdom.
We contemplate the Face of Christ that
shows us the strength of God’s universal
salvation project and tells us all the dedication
(kenosis) of Jesus to fulfill that project. This
shows us all the urgency of realizing the
Kingdom. Here we connect with Conforti’s
second and fundamental idea, the urgency
of extending such a Kingdom.
The extension of the Kingdom is carried
out thanks to the missionary action of the
Church. This is the other fundamental
aspect of Conforti’s spirituality: the universal
mission, which led him to found our beloved
congregation, the mission of announcing
and making present the Kingdom of God
throughout the world.
Saint Guido explains to us this other axis that
led him to live this strong spirituality and that
is for us a treasure, a heritage to multiply and
spread. It is the experience of a “living faith,”
which allows us to “see God, seek God, love
God in everything, increasing in us the desire
to spread his Kingdom everywhere.” [4]
From these two pillars arises a deeply interior
and wonderfully missionary spirituality, open
to the entire world, open to the universality of
Christ’s Kingdom.
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 6
In Conforti’s experience, the Reign of God in
our souls cannot remain a mere “desire” or
feeling, or a moral or spiritual commitment.
The love of God experienced in the
contemplation of the crucifix must lead us to
a commitment to justice and “living faith” and
a total and coherent dedication to the service
of the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten,
to the living example of Christ, who did not
come to be served, but to serve and give
his life as a ransom for a multitude to give
his life.” [5] Here we enter the third aspect
of Conforti’s doctrine on the Kingdom: the
search for God’s justice.
“The Kingdom of God that is among us must
be, therefore, the kingdom of justice, of that
justice that Christ, through his example and
his word, has come to establish.” [6]
In Conforti’s doctrine, “the Kingdom of God,
which is among us” is also “the foretaste of
that day of light and joy that knows no sunset.”
[7]
It does not deny an eschatological vision
of the Kingdom itself but also, (and here a
novelty for its time) it is a Kingdom to be lived
and worked for its advent in the present day
of our history. “And this happiness that awaits
us beyond this life, properly constitutes the
Kingdom of God of which Christ speaks
so frequently in his Gospel. Kingdom that
is reserved for those who have previously
belonged from the present life to the Kingdom
of truth, grace and justice.” [8]
Every person therefore has a role, an action,
a commitment, according to their own
personal situation to make the Kingdom of
God present.
[1 (Anthology of the writings of Guido Maria Conforti,
[1]
Kingdom of God, page 641)
[2] Ibidem, p. 642
[3] 1917, August 15, Parma-Cathedral, homily for the feast of
the Assumption “Adveniat regnum tuum”: FCT 17,30-31)
[4] Letter Testament, n.10
[5] Matthew 20:28
[6] 1917, August 15, Parma-Cathedral, Homily for the Feast of
the Assumption “Adveniat regnum tuum”: FCT 17,35-36)
[7] 1917, August 15, Parma-Cathedral, Homily for the Feast of
the Assumption “Adveniat regnum tuum”: FCT 17,38)
[8] Ibid.
Painting by Fr. Angelo Costalonga, sx ((1931 - 2020)

WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 7
The “Human Face” and Integral
Evangelization in the Ad Extra Mission
A Reflection by the Xaverian Missionaries in Mexico
(reprinted from the General Direction of the Xaverian Missionaries)

A
fundamental aspect of the human face of the Xaverian is to work for the integral human person.
For the Xaverian, announcing the Kingdom of God goes beyond the simple preaching of a
doctrine or the search for “adepts” of the Catholic religion. The mission of the Xaverian is
oriented to the daily reality of the people, to walk alongside them, and embodies the values of the
faith lived in a particular place. This implies for the Xaverian to be deeply human in apostolic action and in
dealings with people.
We are not dedicated to exclusively religious or spiritual areas, we work to evangelize and transform the
situation of people and peoples; We work for the human person in a comprehensive way, attending to
health, education, and the progress of families and peoples. We also work in defense of human rights, but
without being tied to partisan politics.
In everyday life, it means participating in the life of families, sharing work, fatigue, hunger, friendship, as
well as in the realities that sometimes lead human beings to extreme situations, to hitting rock bottom,
as it is suffering and sin with all the consequences that it entails, to seek and save what was lost.
Accompanying people on their paths of life and faith; creating bonds of solidarity and communion as a
principle of justice and peace, as a path to alleviate poverty.
We list some points of what the “human face” means in an ad extra situation:
1. Be sensitive to the local reality:
Each community is unique, with its own traditions, problems and challenges. The missionary must be
sensitive to this diversity and adapt his approach and action. It is not about imposing a single way of
thinking or believing, but rather making the light of the gospel shine from the culture that embraces it from
its values and its way of seeing life. He also lives informed of what is happening in the country where he
lives.
2. Embody spirituality in everyday life:
The Xaverian does not limit himself to talking about faith as a simple transmission of a religious message.
The Xaverian is capable of recognizing how faith is incarnated in the ordinary lives of people and from
there he strives to lead a life that reflects and promotes the principles and values of the gospel: mercy and
forgiveness, compassion and solidarity, love of neighbor and justice, truth and peace. This involves times
of prayer and discernment to understand the values of a culture, discern the seeds of the Word and what
is opposed to the values of the Kingdom.
3. Selfless service:
The work of the missionary must be marked by gratuitousness, by selfless service. He must also be willing
to help with the practical needs of the community, such as medical care, education, food support, etc. The
act of serving others is a powerful way to transmit the Christian values of love, brotherhood, compassion
and the dignity of each person.

WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 8
 Photo of Xaverian Missionary in Mozambique
courtesy of the Xaverian Missionaries General Direction

The Xaverian is willing to get involved and serve in the life of the community he serves. This means
listening to people, understanding their needs, and being present for their joys and challenges. Empathy
and closeness are crucial to building meaningful relationships and for evangelizing work to be effective.
The Xaverian remains in a state of listening and service.
4. Intercultural and religious dialogue:
Openness to dialogue with people of different religions and cultures not only enriches your own
understanding of the culture or religion of a people, but also fosters tolerance and mutual respect. Respect
for the beliefs of others is essential for effective evangelistic work.
5. Teaching and support:
The work of the missionary involves not only the transmission of faith, but also spiritual accompaniment
throughout the path of conversion. He must be willing to teach, answer questions, and guide people in
their spiritual quest. This requires patience and a deep understanding of the faith being shared.

Let us pray for all the missionaries:

Oh Jesus, author and perfecter of our faith, who wanted mutual charity to be the distinctive mark of your
followers. We entrust you to our dear brothers, who in distant lands shed sweat for the expansion of your
Kingdom. Fertilize with your holy grace the works of his apostolate. Defend them from all dangers and
make them increasingly worthy of working and suffering for the glory of your Name. And to us, through
the intercession of Saint Francis Xavier, grant us the grace to participate one day in his fatigues and in his
merits, to later share in your happiness in heaven. Amen.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ be known and loved by all!”

WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 9
World Mission News
Black Nazarene procession in the Philippines
draws millions after returning from COVID
Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Jan 9, 2024
The Black Nazarene procession in the
Philippines, one of the largest religious
devotions in the world, returned this year
to its traditional size for the first time since
the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,
attracting millions of devotees.
The procession, known locally as
“Traslacion,” sees devotees carry across
Manila a replica of a famous life-size
statue of Jesus carrying a black wooden
cross. Taking place each year in January,
this year’s event marked a return to the
traditional procession after three years
of drastic downsizing due to the threat of
COVID-19.
In 2020, 2021, and 2022 the procession
was essentially canceled entirely. In 2023,
an estimated 103,277 faithful participated,
far fewer than in past years.
This year, as in years before the pandemic,
millions of mostly barefoot devotees turned
out along the procession route, hoping to
touch the statue and obtain a miracle or
“Making of the World One Family...”
healing. The Philippines is the only country in directive, UCA News, a Catholic Asian news
Asia with a Catholic majority, with over 80% of site, reported.
the population belonging to the Church. [T]he procession, which lasted 15 hours,
The image of Jesus used in the procession is was generally peaceful, although the
believed to have been brought from Mexico Philippine Red Cross said hundreds needed
to Filipino shores in 1606 by missionaries of medical attention due to heat stroke and
the Order of Augustinian Recollects. The life- injuries caused by the crowds.
size statue of Jesus is today enshrined in the The procession, according to Monsignor
famous minor basilica popularly known as the Jose Clemente Ignacio, formerly the rector
Quiapo Church, located in the Archdiocese of of Quiapo Church, commemorates “the
Manila. First enshrined at St. John the Baptist transfer of the image from Luneta to Quiapo,
Church in Luneta, the image was transferred to when we first received the statue in 1868.”
Quiapo in 1868.
In addition, he said, “‘Traslacion’ means the
The original statue has survived fires that transfer of the Image of Black Nazarene. In
destroyed the church twice, two earthquakes, a way it is imitating the Calvary experience:
the floods of numerous typhoons, and the sacrifice and suffering that Our Lord
bombings during World War II. Quiapo Church endured for our salvation like when Jesus
receives thousands of Catholics every day for was walking barefoot, carrying the cross to
Mass and confession. Mount Calvary.”
This year, the icon was placed in a glass
case for the first time, and participants were Photo: SwarmCheng, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://
banned from getting onto the float as they have creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via
in previous years, though many ignored the Wikimedia Commons
WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 10
USA NEWS DELEGATION HOUSE, WAYNE NJ
Weekly Scripture Study
The Scripture study group meets on Fridays at 1:30 PM in the library. In addition to Bible
passages, liturgical celebrations, and popular devotions are also discussed. Please email Fr.
Michael Davitti, sx, for more information. michaeldavitti@gmail.com

OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE, HOLLISTON MA

2024 Pilgrimage to Portugal
Because of the success of the 2023 Pilgrimage to Fatima, the Xaverian Missionaries will hold a
second pilgrimage in September 2024. Check with the Shrine for more information
Shoulder to Shoulder
Fr. Carl Chudy, sx, Coordinator of Metrowest Interfaith Community signed the Joint Multi-faith
Commitment to Counter Anti-Muslim and Anti-Jewish Hate in the United States with other
national faith leaders. “We take seriously the responsibility and necessity to speak up and take
action, especially when the voice of hate and exclusion comes from our own communities.”
The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign is a coalition of 37 national members and more than 75
local community and congregational network members who affirm the commitment to build a
more inclusive and pluralistic society.
Lenten Schedule
During Lent, there will be Mass at 12:10 PM from Monday through Friday from Ash Wednesday
to the Wednesday of Holy Week. On each Wednesday following Ash Wednesday there will be a
Rosary for Peace beginning at 11:30 AM followed by a short explanation of a situation of conflict
in our Xaverian World before Mass. All are welcome.
Think Spring
The Fatima Bee Project is a program of the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine .We develop bee apiaries
and pollinator gardens to increase the number of pollinators in our community and seek ways
to educate the larger community on the importance of their role in our lives. It is now offering
flowers and plants for sale. Order at https://bit.ly?fatimabeeproject
XAVIER KNOLL, FRANKLIN WI
Fr. Alex Rodriguez, sx, is participating
in a Medical Mission Trip to El
Salvador in February 2024. Prayers
and donations are appreciated.


Help the Xaverian Missionaries continue to “make of the world one family.” Either clip this paper and send it to the address below or help the
environment by donating online at: https://www.xaverianmissionaries.org/support/

Name: Donation Amount:

Address: City: State: Zip:
Email: Phone:

Mail to: Fr.. Mark Marangone sx Xaverian House Supported:

12 Helene Ct. □Xaverian Knoll, Franklin, WI; □Fatima Shrine,
Wayne, NJ 07470 Holliston, MA; □Delegation House, Wayne, NJ

WORLDCATHOLIC.US NEWS 11
 US Xaverian Missionaries at the 2023 Delegation Assembly in Holliston

Picture Yourself with Us!

Contact: frrocco@xaverianmissionaries.org, fralex@xaverianmissionaries.org
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