History of Province
The Life of St. John Baptist Scalabrini and the Mission of the Scalabrinians
SCALABRINIANS – ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI PROVINCE
“Proclaiming the Gospel and serving migrants and refugees in Australia and Asia across more than seven decades of dedicated mission.”
Early Sowing in Australia
November 2, 1952
The first four Scalabrinian missionaries arrived in Australia. During this early phase, they assisted local parishes in the pastoral care of Italian immigrants who were arriving in large waves after World War II, under the temporary administration of the North American Provinces.
1952 – 1957
The missionaries traveled to remote rural areas, farms, and sugar cane plantations in Queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales to accompany and support migrant workers in overcoming language barriers, cultural shock, and challenges to their faith.
Establishment of the Province & Community Building
October 7, 1957
Establishment of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Province: The province was officially established in Australia, choosing St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini – Patroness of Immigrants) as its patroness. This marked the autonomy and maturity of the missionary community in the Oceania region.
Year 1962
The province grew significantly to include 22 missionary priests, overseeing pastoral work across 10 large parishes and 3 migrant welcome centers in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Newcastle, and Wollongong.
1970s
Launching Scalabrini Villages: Recognizing the critical need to care for aging immigrants, the Province established nursing homes and social support centers (such as the Scalabrini Villages in New South Wales and Villaggio San Carlo in Victoria). This provided a holistic care model, helping elderly migrants preserve their culture, language, and dignity in their final years.
Expanding to Asia & Fostering Vocations
Year 1982
Arrival in the Philippines: The province officially expanded its mission to Asia, starting in Manila, Philippines. They established formation houses, migrant parishes, and the Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC) to conduct research and advocate for the rights of Asian migrant workers.
1990s
Expanded the pastoral network to Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia. Sabbatical and pastoral missions focused on supporting migrant workers, foreign brides, and seafarers through the Stella Maris Apostleship of the Sea.
2003 – 2005
Presence in Vietnam: Following surveys starting in 2003, the Province officially established its presence in Vietnam in 2005. Initially, the mission focused on accompanying young vocations and gathering candidates interested in serving migrants.
Year 2012
Opening of the Scalabrini Academy in Thu Duc: To accommodate the growing number of candidates in Vietnam, the Province inaugurated a dedicated seminary building in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City. This became a solid center for theological and spiritual formation.
Year 2016
Direct Advocacy and Collaboration: Scalabrinian missionaries were appointed to work directly with the Episcopal Commission for Migrants and Itinerant People of Vietnam (ECMI). The province also opened the Scalabrini Shelter (Fatima House) in Ho Chi Minh City to provide housing, educational assistance, and legal aid to migrant students and workers in distress.
Year 2025
20th Anniversary of Presence in Vietnam: Over two decades, the mission in Vietnam has produced abundant fruits, educating and sending out over 48 Vietnamese missionary priests to serve in migrant communities worldwide. Vietnam has become one of the most vital vocation hubs for the entire Congregation.
VISION
We, the Missionaries of St. Charles (Scalabrinians) of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Province, follow Jesus Christ in His mission to the migrants. We live our Scalabrinian charism to build welcoming communities, advocate for human dignity, and foster solidarity among diverse peoples in Australia and Asia.
MISSION
In partnership with local churches, we pastoral care for migrants, refugees, and seafarers. We accompany them in their spiritual journey and cultural adaptation; provide shelter and integration support to the vulnerable; train new generations of missionaries; and voice their rights in global forums.
CORE VALUES
- Welcome: Living the Gospel values of hospitality, recognizing Christ in the stranger.
- Integration: Promoting mutual enrichment and harmonious coexistence between migrants and local host communities.
- Advocacy: Standing in solidarity with vulnerable populations, including refugees and victims of human trafficking.
- Vocation: Nurturing missionary vocations to serve the universal Church.
Fr. Martin Ignacio Gutiérrez, CS
Fr. Martin Ignacio Gutiérrez, CS, was appointed by the Superior General as the Provincial Superior of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Province of the Scalabrinian Missionaries. His term began on March 1, 2025, and extends to March 1, 2028, leading the province’s missionary works across Australia and Asia.

Biography of Provincial Superior Fr. Martin Ignacio Gutiérrez, CS