Paulists - Missionary Society of St Paul (MSSP)

Imbued by the spirit of the missionary era of late nineteenth and early twentieth century Europe, Joseph De Piro founded the Missionary Society of Saint Paul in 1910, on the small Mediterranean Island of Malta.

Since his seminary years, his dream was to form a congregation of men who, inspired by the gospel, like Paul the Apostle, would witness to Christ in mission lands, in an attitude of sharing, dialogue and respect.

After sending his first missionary to Ethiopia, Joseph died on September 17, 1933, leaving his Society orphaned at a very early stage. The Missionary Society of Saint Paul had to go through a lot of trials and suffering before it could be officially recognised by the Vatican, in 1973.

The Paulist Missionaries are a group of men - brothers and priests - from different cultures living together in community, giving witness to the fact that all Christians are called to be missionary. Wherever we are, our call as Paulists, is to respect and transcend cultural differences and to reach out to all the world in solidarity.

At present our members work among the poor in Peru', Pakistan and the Philippines. Our work also takes us to Australia, Malta, Italy, Canada and USA.

The Paulist Missionaries arrived in Australia in 1948. Our main ministry then was with the newly arrived post war migrants, as they struggled for cultural adjustment in a new and foreign land. Today our ministry takes us to new and diverse areas:

• helping young adults to discern their call in life
  
• nurturing a mission spirituality in the Australian Church
  
• helping migrants and refugees in their process of cultural adjustment
  
• helping in the preparation of people as they discern their missionary call
  
• helping volunteers, missionaries and aid workers, as they return from service abroad
  
• being with the people of all ages in their joys, struggles, pains and celebrations
  
• helping in the building of communities of faith

In our formation process we journey with young men as they study their call to a missionary vocation in the spirit of Joseph De Piro and of the understanding of the Church today. In Joseph De Piro's words: "I will follow you Lord, wherever you go".

After a period of discernment, candidates are invited to a year long introduction to religious life in community. Those who chose to become missionary priests are required to study philosophy and theology. Brothers are also required to have a sound theological preparation, as well as other subjects which might be useful.

During the years of preparation, candidates will have missionary exposure in one of our mission stations and practice a life of chastity, poverty, obedience and missionary service.

if you are interested in our vision and would like to join our journey please contact our vocations co-ordinator at:

Fr Noel Bianco
St Paul's Missionary College
Norton's Lane, Wantirna South, Vic 3152
Phone: 9801 1763
Fax: 03 9801 1802
Email: spmcrc@bigpond.com