EUROPE/ITALY - Fr Benzoni re-confirmed Superior general of the Xaverian Missionaries: “we must look at the new which is coming more than the old which is passing. The Church is young because the Spirit keeps her young. This is why I think we need not fear challenges ”

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - The 15th general chapter of the Xaverian Missionaries (see Fides 13/3/2007), being held at Tavernerio (Como), re-elected Fr Rino Benzoni Superior general and Fr Luigi Menegazzo Vicar general, for second six year terms. New councillors are: Italian Fr. Carlo Girola, Mexican Fr. Armando Germán, and Congolese Fr. Katindi Ramazani.
Fr Benzoni said: “I hoped my service to the Congregation had ended. It will not be easy to start another six year term. At the same time, I am encouraged by the confidence shown by my confreres. I hope to form a close knit group with my collaborators to serve better our missionary Family. With regard to mission we must look at the new which is coming rather than the old which is passing. The Church is young because the Spirit keeps her young. This is why I think we need not fear challenges”.
In a report to Fides Fr Marcello Storgato, press officer for the 15th general chapter said the international direction reflects an enrichment of the missionary charisma of the founder Blessed Guido M. Conforti, with confreres from four different continents who renew the face of the Congregation which draws inspiration for the great missionary of Asia St Francis Xavier.
Fr. Germán from Mexico represents, after the Italians, the second largest national group of Xaverians from (the Amazon region of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico); Congolese Fr. Ramazani represents the growing Xaverian presence in Africa (Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, RD Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone). From Asia too there are new Xaverian vocations (Bangladesh, China/Taiwan, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia); these are represented by vicar general Fr. Menegazzo, with long mission experience in Japan.
Founded by Blessed Guido Maria Conforti (1865-1931) on 3 December 1898, as the Congregation of St Francis Xavier for Foreign Mission, today there are 848 Xaverian missionaries in the world in 146 communities (Annuario Pontificio 2007).
The 15th general Chapter started on 18 June listened to reports from the 42 delegates and then reflected on two main themes "Xaverian Spirituality", "Xaverian Formation", "Mission Today" and "Mission Strategies". The Chapter is expected to close on 21 July. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/7/2007; Righe 34; Parole 467)