Presentation
letter
Rome,
Easter Sunday
April
22, 1984
Dear
confreres,
I
am thankful to the Lord and the confreres who prepared this text of our new
constitutions and Rule, which I now promulgate and present to you. This
document was accepted at the 90th session of the XI General Chapter, August
25, 1983, and approved by the Holy See, Decree no. 1339/84 of the S.C. for the
Evangelization of Peoples on March 24, 1984.
This
text is the fruit of a long process begun in 1978 by the post-capitular
commission and concluded at the last General Chapter. It is marked by a triple fidelity to: the Founder and his
original charism; the church and its mission; the world and its expectations.
The triple fidelity underlying this document affords a key for the
proper reading, interpretation and application of the text.
In
the 1921 Constitutions Bishop Conforti wrote: "From the observance of the
constitutions flows the strength, growth, success of our humble society and
the spiritual betterment of its members." (art 254, RF 88) These words
still ring true, I mention this remark because I am convinced that the
constitutions are in some way the expression of the word of God and his will
for us, Xaverians. They outline
the path for our sanctification, to be sought in the very "exercise of
the apostolate." (art 42)
"Totally
committed to the service of the Kingdom in the church" (art 7) we partake
in that movement by which the Word of God was sent into the world to dwell
among us (cf AG 10, Jn 1,14). We become all things to all (cf 1 Cor 9, 22),
impelled by the love of Christ (cf 2 Cor 5,14) and we announce by life and
word the mystery hidden for centuries, namely, Christ, hope of future glory,
in our midst (cf Col. l, 26-27). In
our life consecrated to God for mission we discover the hidden roots which
feed apostolic activity, and give our witness meaning, our words credibility.
In the common life we anticipate the realization of that communion in
the Father's house to which we invite all of our brothers.
As
we receive this text, we are called to renew our consecration to mission.
We do so under the maternal gaze of Mary, Mother of the church and
Queen of the Apostles, and in the presence of the apostles and patron saints,
especially St. Francis Xavier. To
the extent possible, we strive today to relive that faith experience which was
that of our Father and Founder.
P.
Gabriele Ferrari, s.x.
Superior General
This 2nd edition of the English translation of the Constitutions (1992) was prepared by the United States Province of the Xaverian Missionaries for its members. The official approved text for the proper understanding of this translation remains the Italian text approved by the S.C. of Propaganda Fide, March 24, l984.
CHAPTER
ONE
XAVERIANS
IN THE CHURCH
"The
love of Christ
impels
us onward"
(2 Cor 5,14)
Origin
and charism
[1.]
The Spirit of the Lord constantly stimulates the church and refreshes its
perception of its mission in the world. The same Spirit inspired Bishop Guido M.
Conforti to commit himself to the evangelization of non-christians and to gather
into a religious community men called to consecrate themselves to God for the
same purpose.
We,
Xaverians, follow our Founder and live the same charism. In this way we respond
to the Lord's mandate: "go into the whole world and proclaim the good news
to all creation". The life and words of the Founder are a singular source
of inspiration for our apostolic work.
Purpose
[2.]
Saint Francis Xavier is the model and patron of our Society which bears
his name. Our foundation name is:
Pia Società di San Francesco Saverio per le Missioni Estere". The one
exclusive purpose of our Society is to proclaim the "good news" of
God's kingdom to non-christians.
Spirituality
[3.]
Guido M. Conforti set the foundation for our life and spirituality on:
-
union with Christ, missionary of the Father. Christ is central to our
life. He is the driving force and inspiration of our thoughts, love, actions.
- apostolic work lived within the evangelical counsels.
Our
spirituality finds its expression in the spirit of
-
living faith which enables us to "see, love, seek God in all, and
sharpens our eagerness to make his kingdom known everywhere;"
-
ready and selfless obedience;
-
intense love for the Xaverian family.
Vision
[4.]
The Founder wanted his missioners to possess broad vision; rich, balanced
human traits capable of adaptation; a formation suitable to respond to the
demands of our mission. Faithful to his vision, we choose to foster an open
creative spirit free from bias and prejudice about people, cultures, ambience,
and methods of evangelization.
Members
[5.]
Members of the Society are those who so pledge themselves by mission vow
and the profession of evangelical counsels. Having been called by the Spirit to
live together as a single family, we recognize and value the diversity of gifts,
ministries, cultures as more suitable means for gospel service.
