Origin from 1868
The Missionaries of Africa, popularly known as the White Fathers and abbreviated M.Afr., are a Catholic society of apostolic life founded in 1868 in Algiers by Charles-Martial Allemand-Lavigerie, then Archbishop of Algiers, to evangelize and educate primarily in Africa. The society is headquartered on Via Aurelia in Rome under Superior General Stanley Lubungo, and as of 2021 comprised about 1,428 members from 36 nationalities operating in 42 countries across 217 communities.
Facts
Classification
Kind of orderCatholic Religious Orders and Congregations 1 Who may join Who may joinLay and Ordained Together 2 Origins
Origin Period Belief
Defining Doctrinal PositionCatholic Apostolic Magisterial Authority 2 Practice
Liturgical Language Liturgical Language Organisation
OrdinationHoly Orders / Apostolic Succession 2 OrdinationVowed Religious Profession (not ordained) 2 Status
Status TodayLiving tradition, practised today 1 Connections
Belongs to Tradition
Originated In
Source Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent): White Fathers
Rooted In
Source Missionaries of Africa (Wikipedia)
Uses Liturgical Language
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Missionaries of Africa
Wikipedialead paragraph
The White Fathers (French: Pères Blancs), officially known as the Missionaries of Africa (Latin: Missionarii Africae) and abbreviated MAfr, are a Catholic society of apostolic life of pontif
Introduction, apostolate
The society focuses on evangelization and education, primarily in Africa.
View the Source 2. Islamic Mysticism: A Short History
Alexander Knysh, Brill
Missionaries of Africa (Wikipedia)
Rooted In: Roman Catholicism, Lead sectionQuote, Rooted In: Roman Catholicism, Lead section
The White Fathers (French: Pères Blancs), officially known as the Missionaries of Africa (Latin: Missionarii Africae) and abbreviated MAfr, are a Catholic society of apostolic life of pontifical right for men.
View the Source Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent): White Fathers
Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent)Originated In: Algeria, Opening article textQuote, Originated In: Algeria, Opening article text
was founded in 1868 by the first Archbishop of Algiers
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