Welcome to Fr. Antony Rajesh MSFS. He is a Missionary of St Francis de Sales. He is also one of our ArchIndy Summer Missionary Appeals. Fr Anthony serves as the pastor of St Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo, MI.
Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales, also known as Fransalian Missionaries, is an international, missionary religious order, founded in France in 1838 by Fr. Peter Mermier, under the patronage of St. Francis De Sales, to bring about the renewal of Christian life by preaching parish missions. The first batch of missionaries went to India in 1845. Today, our missionaries work in USA, India, France, Switzerland, England, Brazil, Chad, Namibia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Australia, Austria, Germany, Philippians, West Indies, Chile, Trinidad and other countries. Missionaries also are sent to serve, individually, at the request of Bishops from various dioceses all over the world.
The Fransalians began with a mission of renewal and development of faith communities in the Church, being involved in parish missions, retreats, spiritual direction and other pastoral concerns. Availability at the service of the local Church, working very closely with the local Bishop and the diocesan clergy, characterized the attitudes of the missionaries. The missionaries, therefore, were involved in evangelization, education, retreats, parish missions and other specialized ministries as needed in the local Church. The pastoral work and the lifestyle always characterized the Fransalian spirit of simplicity, gentleness, optimism and availability in service of the local Church.
Our mission in USA is growing. In the beginning of 1996, we were only seven priests in pastoral ministry in USA. Today, sixteen years later, there are about 70 priests currently involved in pastoral ministry, in 26 dioceses spread out in 15 states of the United States. These priests take up ministries in form of counseling, spiritual direction and hospital ministry. Several of our Fransalian priests preach parish missions and hold retreats for both individuals and groups. Prayer and contemplation is a daily part of the Fransalian way of life, and our missionaries teach others the contemplative way of life.
There will be a Second Collection this weekend to support the amazing ministry of the Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales to foster deeper union with Christ in the Church through prayer and service. This is the second of our two summer Archdiocesan mission appeals. Please generously support this ministry.
Thank you.
Holy Family, Pray for us.
~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries