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.”

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Province Banner

I.
1952 – 1957
Early Sowing in Australia

The first steps of the Scalabrinian missionaries to Oceania to support the spiritual and material lives of Italian migrants in rural areas and plantations.

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.

Arrival in Australia

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.

II.
1957 – 1982
Establishment of the Province & Community Building

The Province of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was officially established, expanding the network of migrant parishes and pioneering social welfare initiatives for older immigrants.

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.

Establishment of Province

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.

Scalabrini Villages

III.
1982 – Present
Expanding to Asia & Fostering Vocations

In response to shifting global migration flows, the Province expanded its mission into Asia, establishing seminaries and migrant protection programs in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

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.

Philippines Mission

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.

Vietnam Presence

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.

20th Anniversary

Scalabrinians Global Family

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

  1. Welcome: Living the Gospel values of hospitality, recognizing Christ in the stranger.
  2. Integration: Promoting mutual enrichment and harmonious coexistence between migrants and local host communities.
  3. Advocacy: Standing in solidarity with vulnerable populations, including refugees and victims of human trafficking.
  4. Vocation: Nurturing missionary vocations to serve the universal Church.

Fr. Martin Ignacio Gutiérrez, CS
PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR

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.


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Biography of Provincial Superior Fr. Martin Ignacio Gutiérrez, CS