Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales

The Missionaries of St.. Francis de Sales (Latin: Missionarii S. Francisci de Salesii Annecio, religious symbol: MSFS ) are a religious community of the Catholic Church. They were founded in 1838 in Annecy, France by Pierre -Marie Mermier ( 1790-1862 ). Since 2001, Father Agnelo Fernandes is the Superior General of the Order.

Objectives and tasks

What did the founders

Pierre -Marie Mermier pursued with the founding of the Missionaries of St.. Francis three objectives:

  • Renewal of faith in the parishes through preaching, pastoral care and community mission
  • Mission, ie preaching the Christian message to all the people who have not heard of it
  • Christian education of children and young people

As a basis for these duties, the members of the Community are to seek God above all things and follow Christ after the example of St. Francis de Sales and the Salesian spirituality live. The Missionaries of St.. Francis, therefore, among the religious communities of the Salesian Family.

Prayer and charity

Prayer and contemplation are irreplaceable conditions for the life of the Missionaries of St.. Francis de Sales. The community should learn from the life and example of St. Francis de Sales and imitate him in the daily pastoral ministry. Concretely, to lead a life of prayer, trust in God, the kindness and hospitality. The Missionaries of St.. Francis de Sales endeavor to maintain these ideals in daily life before our eyes, and take each day at least half an hour of time for reflection and meditation on the Word of God and the life of Jesus. The reading from the Bible and the writings of St. Francis de Sales are the spiritual food for daily life. They strive to see how Francis de Sales in every human face of Jesus. This attitude means: have time for the people who receive them kindly and be patient with them. It also means to be helpful - especially to the poor and needy - to give comfort and give hope.

Support and understanding of the youth and the poor

As the youth of today is the future of the Church and society, the Missionaries of St. endeavor. Francis de Sales primarily for the education of young people to faith and to the humane values ​​. This task requires a willingness to understand the young people to assist them in their problems and conflicts and to provide assistance.

Through evangelization the missionaries encounter many people who need help. Many of them are without education and property, especially in developing countries. You alone are not able to lead a decent life. The missionaries try to alleviate their distress.

Dissemination

The Missionaries of St.. Francis currently includes 1167 members (as of 2005) and work in India, Brazil, Chile, Tanzania, Namibia, France, Switzerland, England, Ireland and Germany. Your greatest distribution is in India.

Motto

Meek go into the world and bring her the renewal of Christian life - through missionary proclamation, evangelization of the people and education of youth.

Sermon
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