Xaverian Missionaries

The Xaverian presence in Britain began as a chance encounter on an Italian Naval vessel between Fr. Luigi Ferrari and an officer in the British Information Service. Glasgow was chosen as the site of the first Xaverian foundation and a house was officially opened on January 8th 1948 by Archbishop Mons. Donald Campbell of Glasgow. The first four Xaverians to come to Britain were Frs. Azzoloni (who later became Bishop of Makeni diocese), Calza, Olivani and Stefani, then another two were assigned to the Province: Frs. Noaro and Nicoliello. A house in Pollokshields identified in 1947 by Fr. Ferrari and was officially dedicated on 18th February 1948. By May the Xaverians had an offer from the Holy Ghost Fathers to help with mission work in Sierra Leone from.
On August 1st 1949, permission had been granted by Mr. Mathews, the Colonial Officer for British Colonies in Africa, for the Xaverians to begin work in Sierra Leone. This was to be done with conditions:

Thus, Britain became the gateway by which the Xaverians entered Africa and their first assignment was Sierra Leone, then a British Colony. On June 20th, 1950, these first Xaverians were presented with their missionary crosses at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow. Leaving Liverpool by boat for Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. Divine Providence began to set a path for those missions that would eventually unfold into the African adventure for the sons of Blessed Conforti.t have a diploma recognized by the Colonial Office.