A church in Makeni dedicated to the new Saint, Guido Maria Conforti

The new church in Sierra Leone, St. Guido Conforti Parish

The Italian-born founder of the Xaverian Missionaries was canonized on the Oct. 23 in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI. The St. Guido Conforti Parish is located in the City of Makeni, in northern Sierra Leone. The Diocese, was founded by the Xaverian Missionaries in 1950 under the leadership of late Bishop Augustus F. Azzolini. Recently retired Bishop George Biguzzi followed in the footsteps of Bishop Azzolini for more than 25 years. Since their arrival in that part of the country over 60 years ago, the Xaverian Missionaries have contributed to the development of education, healthcare and are very active in human promotion initiatives in the entire Northern Province.

Bishop Biguzzi consecrates the new altar

Today, the local clergy, religious and the lay faithful work side by side with the Xaverian missionaries alongside the many other religious congregations present in the diocese. Among them are: the St. John of God Brothers; the Josephite Fathers; the Augustinian Recollect Fathers and Sisters; The Salesians of Don Bosco; Missionaries of Charity and the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate.

Parishoners gather at the church dedication. Bro. Joeven, a Xaverian Missionary from the Philippines sits in the middle of this picture.

The Italian-born founder of the Xaverian Missionaries was canonized on the Oct. 23, 2011 in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI. The St. Guido Conforti Parish is located in the City of Makeni, in northern Sierra Leone. The Diocese was founded by the Xaverian Missionaries in 1950 under the leadership of late Bishop Augustus F. Azzolini. Since their arrival in that part of the country over 60 years ago, the Xaverian Missionaries have contributed to the development of education, healthcare and are very active in human promotion initiatives in the entire Northern Province in West Africa.

Offertory procession with the offering of gifts