The Xavarian Movement, an Authentic Instrument of Evangelisation for the African World
On 7 September 1952, on the shores of Lake Kivu, a Missionary of Africa of Belgian nationality discovered a pastoral field that would require his full attention and human and spiritual resources. We were still a long way from African independence and the Second Vatican Council, two major political and ecclesial events that shaped the face of Africa. The establishment of the Xavarian movement at this time in history was a testament to the effectiveness of Father Georges Defour as an instrument in God’s hands. He was the one who brought the Good News of Christ to the heart of Africa through the mediation of African youth, challenging a new generation of African Christians to deepen their faith along indigenous lines.
With the establishment of the Xavarian movement, the dream of a new Christianity was fulfilled, as described by Pope John XXIII in his Encyclical Princeps Pastorum of 28 November 1959. The Pope declared that: “In the new Christianity, it is not only a question of increasing, through conversions and baptisms, the large number of citizens of the Kingdom of God, but also of making them capable, through a Christian education and formation adapted to circumstances and times, of taking on, each according to his condition and possibilities, their responsibilities in the life and future of the Church” [Encyclical, Princeps Pastorum, Doc. Cath., t.56, col. 1548]. Father Georges Defour aimed to combine the Christian message with African wisdom.
The Xavarian Movement offers a comprehensive four-level formation process: the joyful, who are between 9 and 12; the ardent, between 12 to 16; the radiant from 16 until a social commitment such as marriage or entry into a religious order; and lastly, the UXA (Union of Old Xavarians) which comes after the radiant. This structured approach ensures the holistic development of the members. The Xavarian movement now exists in more than ten African countries. The activities in each country are coordinated by a national team in collaboration with the various diocesan offices. An International Office was set up in 2015 to oversee the orthodox life of the Xavarian movement in all countries. It is responsible for promoting links between all the Xavarians in the world while remaining faithful to the keywords and texts of the founder, Father Georges Defour.
Michel Ouédraogo M. Afr., International Xavarian Chaplain General
