I - Nature, Purpose, Members

 1. The Saint Francis Xavier Foreign Mission Society is a religious family. Its particular goal is to preach the gospel in pagan lands. It follows the mandate of Christ to his apostles: "go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation." (Mk 16,15).

 2. The society takes its name and inspiration from the great apostle of the Indies, Saint Francis Xavier. It stands ready to accept whatever missions among the infidels are entrusted to it by the vi-car of Christ, through the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide.

 3. The work of the society, in both the formation and direction of its members, converges toward this single purpose. All other activities, worthy and dedicated as they may be, are excluded from this goal.

 4. The society is made up of religious missionaries, priests and brothers, who pledge themselves by vow to actually work in mission lands for the evangelization of infidels or indirectly in the houses of the society.

 5. Laymen, who are motivated by the love of God and offer their service to the society freely, are considered to be "oblates." They share in the spiritual benefits of the Institute. They take no vows and are satisfied with simple board and room. The persons who cooperate in the success and growth of the society are regarded as benefactors. The parents of our missionaries must consider themselves as the best benefactors of the congregation.

                                                                  II - Apostolic life

 6. The members of the society should be mindful that the essence of their vocation consists in spreading the kingdom of God among the infidels. Their best efforts are to be directed, in obedience, toward this goal. They should be convinced that nothing that they accomplish can be more successful or rewarding.

 7. Whatever activity does not contribute to help the members attain this end is considered to be secondary. Whatever in any way can divert their attention from this goal should be avoided. For the members this singular purpose should gauge the work of each new day. Along with divine grace it also provides the motive force which affords greater efficacy to apostolic ministry, the needs of which ever surpass their individual efforts.

 8. Therefore, the evangelization of infidels is to be given preference over the pastoral care of catholic christians from Europe or elsewhere who may be present in the mission. Pastoral care, which is extended to these people, ought not to compromise the singular purpose for which the society was joined, and which is its unique characteristic.

 9. Every missioner should consider himself a voluntary victim for the conversion of infidels and value his modest contribution to the work of Christ for the salvation of the world as his greatest glory. With enthusiasm he should welcome the day when he is called to abandon all and leave for his field of labor. He should be ready for anything to accomplish the will of God, made known to him through the directives of his superiors.

 10 Whenever the Superior General sends anyone to the missions, he should consider the various inclinations of the confrere. To the extent possible he should assign them to the regions which he judges to be more suitable for them. He should weigh the needs of the place and the aptitudes of the confreres as well. The missioners should always conform to what the superior decides, without complaint and regrets.

 11 When the missioners arrive at their destination they still remain bound to the congregation to which they have given their name and submissive to the religious superior. Nonetheless they are to make themselves completely available to the person who directs the mission and show him respect and obedience. They should recall that apostolic ministry, which is carried out independent from, or worse yet, against the wishes of those whom the Lord selected as his representatives and successors of his work, is fruitless and unproductive.

 12 Even though Xaverians who work in the missions fall under the jurisdiction of the prelates who govern the missions, they continue to belong to the congregation and are subject to the superior who is to show concern for their welfare. He is attentive to sustain their apostolic spirit, and to provide for their material and moral needs.

13 Missionaries ought not be disheartened by the first difficulties they meet, they are to adapt to mission customs. Let them welcome recommendations and advice from older more experienced missioners regarding the pastoral care of the local people, models of ministry, life style and travel means, and all that may prove useful for their spiritual and physical health, as individuals and communities. This is the way to follow even if, at first sight, the suggestions given  may appear less opportune.

 14 The comportment of the missioner should be serious, not conceited, kind, not pretentious. It should inspire trust in those who approach him. His clothing is to be clean and proper, neither slovenly nor elegant. The missioner is to be aware that his conduct always and everywhere should be a convincing message confirmed by the eloquence of deeds. This will take place if the missioner, whenever he is personally dealing with people, tries to do as Christ, whose faithful copy he should be, would have done.

 15 Since the conversion of infidels is the singular purpose of the society, zeal for the salvation of souls should be the qualifying characteristic of missioners. Since zeal is the love of God in action, the missioner should be patient, kind, concerned, not seek his own interests but only the glory of Christ. He bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things that he may rise above all and persevere in this until death.

16 The missioners should use the time available to them, apart from ministry, to review sacred studies and to read useful books. Special attention should be given, from the very beginning, to the study of the language, which should be learned quickly and well so as to be able to speak it fluently.

 17 Missioners, who feel so inclined and without restricting their work and ministry, are to be encouraged to compile studies and essays regarding the customs, places, history, flora and fauna of the mission area. These may prove useful to the confreres and assist others also.

 18 The missioner should be attentive, first of all, to his own spiritual life, that he may better work for the spiritual good of others. While preaching to others, the missioner ought not allow his own spiritual life to wane. Hence, the missioner should never neglect the ordinary means to maintain and nourish the interior life which empowers him to think, judge, love, suffer, work with Jesus Christ, in Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ.

 19 The apostle Paul recommends holiness for every situation. It should energize the life of the missioner and permeate his every deed so that those who observe him may recognize him as a man of God.

 20 Hence, the confreres should treasure whatever fosters a  supernatural growth, particularly the sacraments. These are the source and channels of sanctifying grace which unites us to God and transforms us into Him.

 21 Christian mortification is recommended, it is gauged by personal need and the advice of one's spiritual guide. The members of the society fulfill faithfully that which is prescribed by the church. The missionaries' afflictions, setbacks, struggles, pain, which are inseparable components of the apostolic life and its preparation, are all transformed in the spirit of penance.

 22 When they encounter disheartening experiences, let them consider the joy of the last hour, recall the numerous souls brought to the faith, and remember the great reward which the Lord holds in store for the good and faithful servant.

 23 If a missioner is the salt of the earth which counteracts corruption through holiness of life, he should also be the light which illuminates by correct teaching. He should strive to acquire a varied formation, appropriate for the ministries to which he is called.

 24 A missioner may be recalled from his assignment whenever his work is considered more useful in another mission station, for the needs of the motherhouse or a filial house, elsewhere or should his health no longer permits him to sustain the climate or weight of mission activity.

 25 Whoever is recalled by the superior from the mission should leave his work without delay. The work of converting souls to God is great and meritorious, no less importance is the preparation of new recruits for the future and the practice of obedience, however.

III - Religious Life

 26 Let us appreciate the extraordinary grace which the Lord has granted, the call to serve him more closely through the profession of evangelical vows in the apostolic life. Faith and the gospel assure us that this represents the greatest calling found within the church of God. We ought not to forget, however, the obligations which are assumed by our vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. This commitment may serve to incite us to greater virtue.

 Chastity:

 27 Through the vow of chastity the missioner pledges himself to celibacy and to refrain, for this additional reason, from any act which is contrary to this valued virtue.

 28 If it is true that the free detachment from material things enables the missioner to feel more agile and able to carry out apostolic ministry, remember that it is the practice of chastity which makes him the envy of the angels, more pleasing to God, and more esteemed by the peoples among whom he goes to proclaim the good news.

29 The missioner should consider chastity as the brightest gem of his comportment. His presence ought to be conspicuous for its propriety. Idleness is to be shunned, dangerous occasions avoided, unnecessary contacts with women excluded. Sensual attractions are to be squelched promptly and firmly. Let him turn to prayer and mortification to rout the tempter. He may recall the admonition of Christ to his apostles: "this kind of devil you can drive out only by prayer" (Mk 9,29). In this way the missioner will remain faithful to God, withstand trials, and prove himself worthy of his mission.

 30 Unnecessary visits with women are to be avoided as are frequent contacts with women either through visits or letter. The superior is to be watchful lest the good name of a confrere or of the institute be tarnished.

 31 Missioners are recommended neither to remain idle, nor fall victim to discouragement which like rust corrodes the spirit. They should maintain that joyous serenity which is characteristic of a person who serves the Lord and enjoys the moral certitude of His pleasure.

 32 If anyone should find himself in serious difficulty because of his ministry, he should notify his superior for the necessary action to be taken in this matter.

 Poverty

 33 Through the vow of poverty a missioner renounces his right to freely dispose of anything  of value without the permission of his superior. He is also not allowed to independently administer his possessions. Whatever a missioner enjoys, e.g.. board, clothing, everything else in his use, is not considered as being his own. Such things belong either to the Congregation to which he has given his name, or to the mission to which he is assigned. He should be grateful that his particular needs have been adequately cared for.

34 The observance of this vow demands that those who live in community not provide for their personal necessities individually, but that each obtain necessary things through the superior who will supply for the needs of all with great attention.

 35 The society provides necessary funds to the confreres according to the various situations and needs. Individual confreres are obliged to give an accounting to the superior of the house or mission about what was spent, and unused funds are to be returned.

 36 Goods in common use are to be conserved with care. By virtue of the vow of poverty such goods are not to be destroyed, given away or lent out by anyone. Whatever a professed religious acquires through personal initiative or ministry is not considered to be personal property, it is to be placed among the goods of the society and used to the advantage of all.

 37 It falls within the competence of the general direction to establish how to use whatever surplus funds are available from the annual ordinary administration of the filial houses.

 38 Whenever possible treasurers should avoid contracting debts. When faced with financial difficulties they should increase their trust in divine Providence. The Lord never leaves those who work with right intention for a good cause in want. The gospel promise is assuring: "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. "(Mt 6,33)

 39 Our society can not possess any kind of real estate, apart from the apostolic schools and residences at the exclusive use of the missionaries.

 Obedience

 40 Through his vow of obedience the missioner makes a sacrifice of his will to the Lord. By this vow the missioner pledges himself to obey every time that his superior commands in virtue of obedience or in formal fashion.

 41 Every confrere ought to be ready to carry out whatever orders are imparted to him in a prompt, precise, willful, joyful manner and for supernatural motives. He should be indifferent toward various assignments, or destination to any particular region, and be ready to remain in mission or return should the good of souls or society require his presence. He is to be convinced that the society will develop well and bear abundant fruits for the glory of God, if all of members, united as a single force under the same authority, work constantly and well together.

 42 Missioners are to be mindful that the characteristic qualities of the children of God are discipline, obedience, love. From these traits depend the order, unity and success of every society depends. Therefore, it is important that they cherish within and demonstrate by deed on every occasion their profound reverence and affection for the august head of the church, infallible teacher of truth, as well as due respect for Bishops who continue the work of Christ on this earth as successors of the apostles.

 43 Affection and obedience are to be encouraged toward all superiors of the society. The decisions and directives of superiors should not be disparaged, their efforts for the common good at various levels ought to be appreciated. The onus of direction, which carries with it more anxiety than satisfaction, greater responsibility than honor, should be lessened by the efforts of all.

 44 Missioners recognize the will of God within the rule and constitutions of the society to which they have given their name.  These directives are to be faithfully observed in the spirit of faith. Missioners are able to recall that they offered their will in sacrifice on profession day, they are also aware of the great reward which they acquire before God by such a way of acting, even when they are far away from their superior and completely on their own.

 Community life

 45 Every missionary ought to partake and find strength in the life of the Society, by sharing in its joys and sorrows, by regarding it as a concerned mother, ever solicitous for its moral and material well being. The missionary should not be apprehensive about the future, the society always provides for those who remain faithful. When illness or advanced age no longer permit a missionary to cope with the demands of the apostolate, he will not be abandoned. On the contrary, the society will increase its efforts and concerns according to the need until the time when the Lord chooses to reward his faithful servant for the fruits of his day's work.

 46 Considering that the true characteristic of the followers of Christ is love, missionaries should ever demonstrate real mutual affection, assist one another in need, comfort each other in moments of trial. Should it prove necessary, they may make use of fraternal correction while recalling the gospel admonition, "but keep it between the two of you." (Mt 18,15) They should also be careful to avoid anything that might infringe upon or  upset the harmony and peace.

 47 The missionaries should show special fraternal concern to sick confreres and provide the most caring and best attention possible. The local superior should see that none of the necessities are lacking to the sick, despite the sacrifice and the cost.

 48 Missionaries should have a sense of fraternal respect for their companions in vocation. Criticism and jealousy are to be avoided, they are detrimental to what is good. Rather than be envious of the successes of others, missionaries should strive to to follow their best example.

 49 Appropriate respect and appreciation is reserved for parents and relatives, for whom we should have a prayerful remembrance before the Lord. Natural family ties, however, should not unduly condition the apostolic call which surpasses all others. Missionaries should recall the words of the Lord, which could well be a life program for apostolic men: "did you not know I had to be in my Father's house?" (Lk 2,49) and stronger still: "whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter, more than me is not worthy of me" (Mt 10,37)

50 Missionaries should cherish a sense of sincere gratitude for benefactors of the congregation and express appreciation in various ways according to the circumstances, in prayers and sacrifices, and by remembering them after their death.

 51 Love is not restricted to the here and now, it extends into eternity. Everyone, without exception, is invited to pray for the eternal repose of deceased confreres, once the news of their death is received. The funerals of missionaries, professed members and novices will be celebrated with simplicity and dignity.

IV - Formation

 52 Missionary candidates should possess a suitable intellectual  ability, good judgment, sound physical health, a temperament which is consistent and easy to get along with, and above all a concern for personal sanctification and the salvation of souls.

 53 Our young students should be convinced that the society is not limited to the contemplative life, but that it is an active congregation dedicated to the proclamation of the kingdom of Christ. As a result they should possess a diversified and uncommon formation and have a correct understanding of the Christian faith and morals which they must teach to others.

 54 During the process of acquiring this preparation, students should refrain from whatever may be harmful, dangerous, useless and have  little practical relationship with the purpose of the study. The scholastic programs which are followed should have ecclesiastical approval, all required subjects should be taken even though they may not be to one's liking.

 55 It would be good if the students were to compete with each other in their studies in such a way that each one might share his acquired knowledge and spirituality with others even during daily recreation with simplicity and without resentment and jealousy.

 56 Young students can never be reminded enough that they should study with the right intention so as to offset the risks and pitfalls often occasioned by studies pursued for selfish motives, curiosity, or other natural tendencies. Through study one may also strive to become a worthy apostle of the gospel, the efforts so invested for this noble end before God already merits the reward promised to the apostle.

 57 Let all who are encharged with directive roles in the Society exercise due discretion and adopt proper measures to guarantee the students are given a suitable academic formation for the apostolate. This preparation should include the study of the humanities, sacred and profane sciences, foreign languages that in the hands of God and their superiors they may be apt instruments for the salvation of souls. As they move along the course of formal studies they should be exposed to all the other disciplines which may prove useful to them such as, fine arts, practical medicine, applied physics, natural history, music and the like. The students should be encouraged to pursue and develop their natural talents so that each branch of knowledge may have its own disciples, and the multiple needs of the mission may be duly addressed. Nonetheless students should not make study choices alone, they should be guided by those who direct them. It should not happen that electives be preferred to core courses or moreso to the sacred studies to which the students should apply themselves by preference.

 58 Every house of the Society should maintain a well furnished library, containing updated books in sacred and profane sciences, books of preeminent writers of the past and better known moderate authors of the present. When leaving for the missions each missionary should take a sufficient number of useful books with him.

 59 An ethnographic museum, which contains interesting artifacts from various mission areas as regards customs, art, religion, the flora and fauna, may prove useful to further the requisite cultural preparation of the missionary. It would be well then if each missionary, without compromising his ministry and professed poverty, would sent some artifacts to enhance the various collections of the Society which may eventually be placed at the service of all.

 60 As attempts are made to choose a general program for work and study which keeps doors open to other possibilities it is well to recall the words of St. Paul: "finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Phil 4,8)

 61 Although students are to be concerned with studies, they should also remember that they are in formation for the religious life and strive toward goals of that calling. They ought to employ the spiritual means available to deepen their interior life, and take particular advantage of the work of the spiritual director.

 62 Let students observe the Society rules, even in the smallest detail, with a spirit of faith and not for any other consideration. Whatever may offend Christian charity and disrupt peace and harmony is to be unrelentlessly avoided. Let respect, affection, obedience be shown to superiors and teachers.

 63 The novitiate is a time set aside for the preparation of missionary candidates in the habitual union with  God, prayer, mortification, detachment from earthly things, zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. This preparation should also provide the candidate with adequate understanding of the dangers and difficulties associated with the apostolic life so that he may be convinced of the need and duty to acquire well rooted and solid values able to sustain whatever shock or surprise he may encounter.

 64 For this reason the superior general should choose the novice master well. He should be a person of outstanding character, rich in spiritual experience, and loving concern. If possible he should be chosen from among those missionaries who have had a direct mission experience among the infidels. He should have qualities, which inspire trust and confidence in the students, and guarantee the success of his work.

 65 The novice master should instill the novices with a high esteem for the apostolic life. The apostolic life should be considered as something singular and praiseworthy. It is quite similar and close to the work of the Redeemer. It couples religious life with the mission vow to dedicate oneself to extend Christ's kingdom among the infidels.

 66 He should help the novices attain a due appreciation of their own limitations, remind them of human frailty, the fleeting  nature of success, riches and earthly accomplishments. They should be taught to put their trust in the Lord alone since he is our strength and only true good. Therefore, they should learn to carry out simple tasks, in the kitchen, house cleaning, dining room according to the different needs.

 67 The novice master is to teach the basics of Christian perfection to the novices and present Jesus Christ as a model of holiness for all, and especially for the apostolic man. The novices are to focus their attention and identify with the divine exemplar so that Jesus may be revealed by their thoughts, feelings, works, as the apostle suggests.

 68 The novice master should speak often to the novices about virtues and particularly about the mortification of the senses; prompt, absolute obedience to superiors; right work motive; reciprocal charity; steady diligent work; Marian devotion; and unlimited trust in divine providence, which is, as the lives of the saints teach, ever generous to those who have faith.

 69 The novice master should develop the innate qualities of his novices, and allow healthy joy, natural ease, gentleness, strength, loyalty to so impress their character that it may always avoid deceit and insincerity and be ever ready to accept new challenges and face risks for the glory or God and the good of souls.

 70 These guidelines, by analogy, apply to those who give spiritual direction. In this way all cooperate in imparting like sentiments and aspirations to the students so that endowed with a similar manner of thinking and acting the society may become a disciplined and powerful force, ever ready to battle for the Lord.

  V - Government

 Central Authority

 71 The government of the Saint Francis Xavier Society is held by the Superior General. Ordinarily he exercises this authority with the cooperation of the Directive Council, and extraordinarily with the General Chapter, according to society norms and canon law.

 72 The superior general should be an example to all.  He carries  out his mandate with the authority of a father and the concern of a brother, mindful of the gospel precept "...let the leader be as the servant" (Lk 22,26). He should consider himself as the servant of all and strive to attain the common good to the best of his ability.

 73 He should recall that zeal for things spiritual and observance of the rule best assure the prosperity of a religious community and obtain God's blessings upon it. He should firmly and carefully encourage confreres to be devout and more observant.

 74 He should exercise fraternal interest and paternal concern for those who are sick and leave nothing untried in providing the best possible care especially for those missionaries who are obliged to abandon their mission posts because of illness or age. Such confreres are to be considered as veterans of the apostolate, and  worthy of respect for their tireless labors.

 75 In times of difficulty, he should have recourse to prayer and decide nothing, great or small, until he has asked the Lord for light and discernment to accomplish that which better conforms to his will, and responds to the good of the Institute and his greater glory.

 76 Should it become necessary to dismiss a member from the society, the superior general should not proceed until after he has attempted every other possible channel of charity and reason in an effort to win the confrere over to better and other options. He should proceed in strict conformity with the canonical prescriptions in serious matters like the dismissal of a religious from the religious congregation. A confrere who has been dismissed is not to be re-admitted under any circumstance or pressure.

 77 He should personally visit or provide for visits to be made to all houses of the society in order to gather first-hand information regarding the moral, disciplinary, economic situation and in order to meet individual confreres and offer them words of encouragement and reassurance. During the visit, each confrere is called privately and asked about how things are proceeding. The confreres are to have great trust and to inform him about their exterior activity and whatever is useful for him to know regarding the betterment of the community.

78 He is also to visit the missions to affirm the confreres,  assess their needs, encourage the observance of the rule. (If he cannot go himself, he will mandate a visitor for this purpose.)  The secretary should write up a summary report of these visits and preserve them in the archives.

 79 Before completing or resigning his term of office, the superior general will provide the General Chapter, as a service to the community and his successor, with an accurate descriptive report of the moral and economic situation of the society during his period of service. The fact that one has been superior general does not entitle him to any special privileges.  He is to return to the ranks and observe all of the rule of the society.  This applies as well to all ex-superiors.  The good accomplished and the sufferings endured in such positions will be repaid by the Lord, just judge of our work.

 80 The four consultors constitute the directive council. Since they must continually assist the superior general in the ordinary administration of the society, they are not to hold positions incompatible with this important office.

 81 They enjoy the right and duty to advise and assist the  superior general regarding the moral and economic administration of the Society, the formation and education of its members at all levels. They should appreciate the importance and responsibility of their mandate.

 82 Whenever the superior general has important tasks to delegate  or carry out, he should preferably assign these to his consultors. He should divide the burden of government with them in a way that each may have a separate sector to care for such as, discipline, spiritual matters, formation, economy.

 Local Authorities                                                 

 83 The superiors of filial houses or missionaries residing in the missions should carefully and lovingly guide their communities and confreres in more perfect observance of the rules and society constitutions, that they may attain their highly proposed goal, namely, the glory of God and the good of souls.

 84 The rectors of formation houses should dedicate themselves in a particular way to the training of young missionaries and educate them spiritually and in those human Christian virtues which constitute the strength of the true apostle.

 85 Superiors and missionaries should equally be convinced of the importance of their role. They are as burning lamps in the house of the Lord. They encourage others to enthusiasm, the observance of the rule, diligent work and sacrifice, and this more by example than word, by kindness rather than commands.

 86 Let them provide all that is needed for the spiritual and material well being of the community and confreres with loving attention. In this manner they eliminate occasions for backbiting, murmuring, anger, which are ever harmful to mutual charity and peace.

 87 As a rule, our food should be frugal, like that of the poor; yet it should be wholesome, sufficient and respond to the just expectations of community, that everyone may serve the Lord in peace and unity without undue concern or complaint.

  Conclusion

 88 It is from the faithful observance of the rule that our humble society draws strength, growth, success and spiritual benefit of its members. Let the rule be faithfully observed so that all be convinced that true sanctity consists in the perfect fulfillment of one's duties in one's particular role within the calling received from divine providence.