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.

The first Xaverian foundation in the UK was opened in Glasgow on January 8th 1948 by Archbishop Mons. Donald Campbell of Glasgow. The first four Xaverians to come to Britain were Frs. Azzoloni, Calza, Olivani and Stefani, and then another two were assigned to the Province: Frs. Noaro and Nicoliello. By May the Xaverians had an offer from the Holy Ghost Fathers to help with mission work in Sierra Leone.

Permission was granted by Mr. Mathews, the Colonial Officer for British Colonies in Africa, (August 1st 1949) 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.