Through this missionary experience, participants dedicate themselves to serving Christ in the poor whom we encounter.

The St. Francis Xavier Mission Trip began in 2010 with the intent of providing an opportunity for young people from apostolates of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter to participate in missionary experience. Leaving the familiar surroundings of home and venturing into a different culture with a group of one’s peers provides a unique experience for all involved.

To come face to face with poverty and suffering not only makes us more grateful for the many blessings we have received, but gives a valuable insight to what our Lord meant when he said:

 

“Blessed are the poor the spirit . . .”
It also gives a very real way to put our faith into action.

“What you do for the least of my brethren,
you do for me,” our Lord teaches.

With this perspective, the work we do while on mission is much more than mere philanthropy. It is a means to deepen our relationship with Christ.

Spending time in a foreign country likewise gives participants a chance to broaden their horizons and challenge themselves. A spirit of sacrifice is necessary. We will have to adapt to a foreign culture and do without certain luxuries.

By sharing these experiences, we are given the chance to forge new friendships founded on a common experience and a common desire to serve Christ through this missionary endeavor.

The Saint Francis Xavier Mission Trip experience is built on a spiritual foundation. Each day will begin with the Traditional Latin Mass. We will pray the rosary daily. We will spend time before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration. There will be opportunities for confession. Spiritual reflections will be offered each day to help the participants maintain a supernatural outlook throughout the trip.

What shall it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but hath not works? Shall faith be able to save him? And if a brother or sister be naked, and want daily food:

And one of you say to them: Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; yet give them not those things that are necessary for the body, what shall it profit? So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself. But some man will say: Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith. Thou believest that there is one God. Thou dost well: the devils also believe and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

As this trip is an apostolate of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is at the heart of our trip.

Holy Mass will nourish us daily and give us strength for our apostolate. We will also have the joy of introducing the people whom we serve to this form of the Mass which remains unknown or forgotten in many parts of the world.

We spent nearly two years preparing and fundraising for our first trip, which took place in the summer of 2012 to the mission parish of St. Francis in the village of Banica in the Dominican Republic. There we built outhouses and built a fence around the cemetery in a poor rural community. We of course had numerous opportunities to interact with the local population and our photo album is filled with pictures of our young people playing with the children of the village.

During our stay we also had two High Masses and one Solemn High Mass in the nearly 500-year-old mission church in Banica, and we crowned our trip with a Solemn High Mass offered in the colonial district of the capital, Santo Domingo. (See “Past Trips” tab)

For the past four six, we have traveled to the parish of Santísimo Sacramento in Piura, Peru. Our missionaries were able to assist in a variety of charitable works overseen by the parish. The trip to Peru concluded with a day visiting the shrines of Lima, known as the “City of Saints.”

In 2020 we are pleased to offer 1 missionary trip to:
• Piura, Peru

 

Testimonials

Each year it is a great blessing to go to Peru on the mission trip. The idea behind such a trip is to help the less fortunate. But at the end of each trip, everyone has always agreed that they help us much more than we help them. While they might lack money, they are rich and usually end up teaching us lessons when it comes to simplicity, joy, a deep seated faith, and gratitude. That being said, after my priestly ordination, what a joy it was to be able to give them something back, to bring them the Mass and the sacraments.
Fr. John Kodet, FSSP
This mission is truly a once in a life time experience! Mass everyday, helping the poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick...following the commands of Our Lord everyday of the trip. It has effected my life in unbelievable ways!! The people I have met on this trip, both the dear people of Peru and missionaries will remain in my heart and prayers for the rest of my life.
Peru Missionary 2016
The 2016 trip was my second year attending the St. Francis Xavier Mission in Piura, Peru, and I cannot begin to explain the immense happiness I felt upon returning. I felt at home, at peace. Being around not only my fellow missionaries but the people of Piura was so humbling, and was a constant reminder of the abundant love of God. This trip stretched me—and continues to stretch—in ways that were painful, but necessary, and I wouldn’t trade any of the experiences I had in Peru for the world. I recommend this trip to any young adult who wants to have an encounter with God through the faces of some of the poorest and most joyful people they will ever meet!
Leah in PA
My experience in Mexico was something I will never forget. I would definitely recommend anyone interested to sign up. While performing our mission work, we were able to experience the rich culture of Mexico and understand how the catholic faith has influenced many of their traditions.
Marcus in TX
I very much enjoyed the mission and was impressed by the reception that we received from the people. I met other really great Catholics and made some wonderful friends among both the Mexicans and Americans who took part in the mission. It was extremely encouraging and beautiful to see the strong bond of the Catholic Faith in another part of the world.
Marie in MA
These trips have made such an impact on my life. I really have no idea where I would be in my life if I had not attended them. Amazing experience with awesome and loving people.
Mary in MO
One of my favorite memories from the Mexico Mission, was when the neighborhood children would run and jump into my arms before Catechism class every afternoon. They were eager to learn about the Faith and thrilled that Americans would help teach the classes and then play with them well into the evening. The little moments like this one were the ones when I felt a sense of charity, satisfaction and overall joy, being able to be with the children and bring the Faith to them.
Mary in CO
This year was my second time on the Saint Francis Xavier Mission Trip to Piura, Peru. This trip was such a personally renewing experience, not only for my heart, but also for my soul. I hope that one day everyone gets the chance to experience true humility by participating on a trip like this.
Abagail in MA
To go on a mission trip  -  that is truly amazing. To go on a mission trip to Peru  -  that makes it even more amazing. To go on a mission trip to Peru led by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter  -  there you have the best mission trip ever!  With all my heart, I am very grateful to God, the FSSP priests and seminarians, and all the dear benefactors who have made these mission trips possible.  I think I may have learned more from the days spent on these mission trips than in all the 18 years spent here at home. These SFX mission trips are really a great gift from God. My favorite assignment was to accompany the priest as he brought Our Lord in Holy Communion to the sick and homebound  -  I cannot express how deeply inspiring and beautiful this always was for me!
A missionary from MN
To help bathe, groom and feed the elderly and infirm in hospice care while meditating on Jesus - that was my most cherished and rewarding experience in Peru!
A missionary from CA
Mexico was definitely something that will be in my heart forever.  Going on mission this past spring not only made me stronger in my faith, but also opened my eyes to what life, and the faith is like outside of the U.S.   For many of those in Mexico, who were  evangelizing with, their faith is what brings them together.  Like one giant family.  They do so much to invite as many people as they can to join in being a part of that family, and knowing that you're helping do the same, is the most fulfilling feeling.  I would whole heartedly encourage anyone who is able, to go on Mission. It changes your life, and allows you to help spread your faith, make wonderful friends, and have a truly wonderful time all at once.  Viva Cristo Rey!
Mary Connelly
The joy I experienced while serving the poor in Piura and witnessing the strength of their faith has rekindled the fire of my soul for Christ and His church. I received much more than I could ever give, for which I am humbled. Thank you!
Jeanette Inglin
If you have been looking for an adventure... go on a mission trip. If you are looking to refresh your soul... go on a mission trip. You might loose phone service, your nice hot showers, and might not be able to get your daily cappuccino, but you will gain invaluable insight of the universal Catholic Church, and you will be amazed how many deep friendships can develop from a few weeks, when you share the same faith and are committed to the same goals.
Elizabeth Henderson
You go down there, thinking you’re going to help the poor in Peru, and when you leave you realize it was you who were helped...
Fr. Matthew McNeely, FSSP
I am certain that this trip and the persons on it will remain in my heart and prayers for the rest of  my life.
A missionary, 2015
The 2015 Peru mission trip was a life changing experience that I will always remember. It was very eye-opening to see what poverty looks like… It means people barely living off the food they have, living in bamboo houses held up by wire, with dirt floors, not having electricity or running water, and not having a properly working toilet.
Melanie, in California
These experiences certainly made a lasting impact on everyone as they learned firsthand the beauty of making a sacrifice of oneself to serve those in need.  There is also something very moving about being able to connect with people of a different culture (and who live in very different circumstances) through the bonds of Christian charity.
Fr. Daniel Heenan, FSSP
I have never seen so many happy people in my life!  They have so little, yet – in a way – they have more than most Americans.  I don’t think I’ve ever come home from a trip feeling so full of joy.
Katie, in California
Amazing people, incredible experience!
Maggie, in Kansas
The Mission trip was mix of Mass, prayer, fun, and Corporal works of mercy. A life changing experience for me that I won’t ever forget!
Brandon, in Georgia
I had an amazing time and look forward to next year.  I always like to think of mission trips as me being Gods hands and feet.
Margaret, in Minnesota
From start to finish, it was one of the best two weeks of my life . . . going on a mission trip has been on my bucket list for a long time, going a second time is on my new bucket list! Meeting the missionaries, priests, sisters, seminarians, the Peruvians; the work we did, corporal and spiritual works of mercy; the fun we had . . . it was awesome!!!
Anne-Marie in Washington D.C.
The SFX Mission was an awesome experience. We were able to perform all the corporal works of mercy, attend more Masses than we ever dreamed of and, on top of everything, have an absolute blast while meeting amazing new friends. Thank you for a fantastic mission Father.
Mary in Colorado
For me, the mission trip was by far the best 12 days of my life!  Truly nothing can compare to the joy and invigoration I experienced in serving my brothers and sister in Peru.
Travis in Georgia
“These trips are so amazing! They give a real appreciation for having the opportunity attend Mass every day. The people in Piura, Peru don’t have that privilege.”
Mary in Kansas

PLEASE DONATE

There are many ways you can help. You can support the trip in general or give to a specific missionary.

For more information, please contact Sophie Piconi, 619.823.1212 or sfxmission@fssp.com