Sharing Christ Across Cultures and Faiths
Bishop George Biguzzi, Long Time Bishop of Sierra Leone, West Africa Passes to Eternity
On Monday 01 July 2024, at 04.15 am, our brother bishop Giorgio Biguzzi died at the hospital in Parma, Italy. He was 88 years old, having been born on 4 February 1936 in Calisese, municipality of Cesena and capital of the province of Forlì-Cesena (in Emilia-Romagna, Italy).
Having completed the Novitiate at San Pietro in Vincoli, he made his first religious and missionary profession on 19 October 1957.
He continued his theological training in Parma (1957-1960) where he made his Perpetual Profession and was ordained a priest on the same day (16 October 1960). After a few months spent in the Xaverian community of Udine (1961) and two months with his family, he was assigned to the United States Circumscription (1962), where he remained until 1973. In the USA, after studying the language in Petersham, he held various positions : vice-rector of the Xaverian community of Franklin (1962-1969) and provincial councilor. During this period he attended Master’s in Education studies at Marquette University, obtaining his Master of Arts in Education. From 1970 to 1974 he was at Holliston where he held the position of rector and subsequently of Master of Novices. READ MORE
New Podcast Interview on the Xaverian Missionaries
Check out the stories of other missionaries here
Mission Blog: The Interfaith Movement, US Presidential Elections & A Diverse Democracy
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, Bishop of the Diocese of San Antonio, Texas, profoundly stated in light of upcoming presidential elections: “Christians are not a social club that gathers on Sundays to receive nice-sounding catchphrases. We are to be a constant influence in society. Our identity as children of God involves a lifelong journey of struggle and testing. We are called to repent and continually transform our lives, thoughts, attitudes, and actions to live in a kingdom of justice, peace, mercy, fidelity, harmony, and unity.” (America: The Jesuit Review, 03/05/24)
Considering our shared responsibility and influence as Christians in society, I firmly believe that the transformative power of the interfaith movement is a vital part of societal transformation in the United States. It’s not just about dialogue between religious believers; it’s about infusing new energy into democratic ideals that respect our diversity through the evolving interfaith and religious-secular solidarity for the common good. We, as a collective of believers and nonbelievers, are the ones who shape our communities and nation. READ MORE
Celebration of the Third Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima
On Saturday, July 13 we continue the monthly celebrations of our Fatima Days at our missionary shrine in Holliston, Masschusetts. We welcomed Fr. Ed Riley, spiritual director of the World Apostolate of Fatima in the Archdiocese of Boston. Focusing traditionally on the third apparition, Fr. Ed reminded us of the gift of world peace in our divided and violent world through prayer and advocacy.
LISTENING TO THOSE WHO LEFT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
In America the landscape of the Catholic Church is changing dramatically, as is all religious communities and institutions. The new mission of the Xaverian Missionaries seeks to engage with our Catholic tradition to all outside of the church, Christianity, and even religion itself. The departure of those formed in the Catholic faith is felt in every parish. Disaffiliated families make up the majority of Catholic communities throughout the country.
We listen to those who left the church and sacramental practice lovingly and empathetically.
We root ourselves in these departure narratives, learning about their world and how they walk in it.
We gain deeper insight into the needs, longings, and desires of young people and others, and in dialogue with our tradition, we can change our pastoral maps and parish cultures, beginning in Catholic families.
Catholic Interfaith Solidarity
Check out the latest resources and opportunities for Catholics and others to share our lives, faith, and friendship with people of other faiths and traditions. Click here. Other resources for interfaith dialogue may be found here.
