The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, was founded on 26th September 1887 by Fr. J.M. Bento Martins in Agonda, in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The Patriarch of Goa, Dom Antonio S. Valente gifted to the Society an erstwhile Franciscan Monastery dedicated to Our Lady of Pilar perched on a hillock in the year 1890 which eventually became the mother house of the Society. The Society adopted Our Lady of Pilar as its patroness. Hence, it is also called the Society of Pilar or the Pilar Fathers.
The Society was very vibrant in missionary activities in and outside Goa. The society also had renowned preachers and Pilar was a centre for retreats and renewal. One of the members of this Society was Fr. Agnelo D’Souza who was well known for his heroic sanctity. Pope John Paul II declared Fr. Agnelo, Venerable.
However, when the society was on the verge of extinction, six priests and two brothers Re- organised it on 2nd July 1939, transforming it into a New Missionary Society.
The new era was ushered by these Re-organisers namely, Fr. Menino C. Rodrigues, Fr. Francisco J. Sequira, Fr. B. R. Rosario Gomes, Fr. Manuel J. Bareto, Fr. Joseph Albuquerque, Fr. Theodoline Cabral, Br. Peter Mascarenhas and Br. Paixao Lacerda.
Due to various factors and socio-political conditions in Goa, during the time of its blockade, the recruitment of vocation from various parts of India suffered a set-back. However after the liberation of Goa recruitment was re-started with new vigour and the society and the seminary count now in its ranks.
Fr Nithesh D’Souza
Director/Superior
Pilar Minor Seminary