St. Francis Xavier’s Ashram, Raia

Goa was always in the minds of Fr. Zimmermann and companions for Indian recruits for the Society. After Goa became part of the Indian Union in 1961, plans were ready and the great pioneer, Fr. Peter Verhaelen, who had pioneered vocation work in Mhow, Kaduthuruthy and Mangalore, was appointed to Goa. Fr. Peter introduced several projects, like dairy farm, distillery for cashew fenny and rubber tree plantation as a part of self-sufficiency for the house.

The Vocation Promoters would address altar boys and school students, hold weekend vocation camps and summer camps for the probable candidates and this method gave rich dividends. The latest statistics show that 29 Goans have been ordained priests of whom several are working in foreign missions, in Africa and South America. There are 15 students at various levels of formation and the house has 18 students.

Staff of St. Francis Xavier’s Ashram

Joaquim Fernandes (Rector)

A. Vincent

Bernard Rodrigues

Cyril Edward

Contact

St. Francis Xavier’s Ashram

Raia, Salcette, Goa – 403 720

Tel : (0832) 2776 137 / 2776 486

Email : [email protected]