Since the beginning of the Xaverian presence in the U.S., the province has been a field of training for new missionaries.

The first house that was established in Holliston, Massachusetts in 1947 was meant to be a minor seminary for young people dreaming to become missionaries.

Also, the next two houses, Petersham, Massachusetts, and Franklin, Wisconsin, had the same purpose. The first was the house for the novices, meaning those that are preparing to commit themselves with the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The latter was the house for theology studies, for those who were trained to become priests.

And finally, in 1973, the Xaverians opened another house in Chicago, Illinois, where they moved there their theology studies.

However, nowadays there is no house of formation and training in the U.S. for the Xaverians. They decided to build international theologies and formation houses elsewhere around the world.

Currently, there are 103 students worldwide (according to the latest official Xaverian report). They come from 10 different countries and 4 continents.

Community life in the international community is very much alive. Every day the Xaverians share a time of prayer, work, study, and solidarity with people coming from all over the world.

“To make of the world a single family” becomes a little reality that is visible and alive in their small communities.

Here there are some statistics of the Xaverian students worldwide:

The training to become a Xaverian missionary can last between 8 and 14 years according to the age of the applicant and his background.

These are the steps of the training:

–       One postulant year, in which the applicant becomes familiar with the community life and the Xaverian community starts knowing him and his family better. Usually, this year of formation happens in the applicant’s country of origin.

–       Two to three years of Philosophy studies in preparation for Theology.

–       One to two years of Novitiate, in which the applicant is prepared to make his first vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

–       One year or more of experience in missions in any country abroad.

–       Four years of theology studies

–       Sometimes, other studies are required.

Usually, the training to become a Xaverian missionary is prompted to foster personal growth to achieve a deep comprehension of one’s weaknesses and strength to live with great humanity wherever a Xaverian is assigned to spread the Good News.