Késsinnimek - Roots - RacinesMon Petit Coin by Norm Léveillée
Father Ronald Veigas
Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish
Kable, Diocese of Shimoga, South India
St. Francis Xavier, S.J., evangelized and established Missions in Southwest India and Japan during the early 16th century.
During the 17th century, missionary activities were widespread across North America. The noted Jesuits, Sts. Isaac Joques, René Goupil and Jean Lalande among others, were evangelizing and establishing Missions. Isaac Joques established the Holy Trinity Mission at Ossernenon (Auriesville NY) around 1642. His two companions were martyred and he was tortured. He escaped but returned to his mission where he, in his turn, was martyred in 1646 by the Mohawks. Ten years later in this Mission was born Tekakwitha. I have written extensively about my cousin Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, both in my site dedicated to her and in this magazine.
The missionary work continues even today. In Kable, in the diocese of Shimoga, the St. Francis Xavier mission has as its pastor Father Ronald Veigas. In 1990, we heard Fr. Albert Veigas, Ronald's uncle, speak about the need to assist financially the youth of his diocese in the pursuit of their education. Without knowing that Rony was Fr. Albert's nephew, we selected this young man and helped him through his seminary days and eventually his mission work after his ordination in 2001.
In June of this year, we were fortunate and very happy to welcome into our home Father Rony. My wife and I had never expected to ever see this young man who became a priest.
We introduced Fr. Rony to our family. We took him on visits to various religious shrines in our area.
Since Fr. Rony is continuing the Mission work established in previous centuries, we found that the circle was complete regarding missionary activity. As a result, we felt the need and the importance of helping and supporting his Mission. We held a family gathering and a fundraising event to help him, his 115 poor children who are boarders, his 800 parishioners and his 5 orphans. We sent the following letter to our family and friends, with the hope that they, like us, would assist Rony in his mission work:
The results of this gathering were astonishing. Fr. Rony made new friends and new helpers in his quest to build the church for his parishioners.
The following are letters of authorization and information regarding Fr. Rony's visit to the United States:
Now, I am asking you, our readers, for your assistance, both in prayers and in financial contributions. Do you think that we could make a difference in the lives of some 800 people in South India!
If you can help, donations can be sent to:
Reverend Albert Veigas
Holy Trinity Church
24821 Columbus Road
Bedford Hts., OH 44146
Checks can be made out to the "Holy Trinity Mission Account".
Please indicate that it is for Fr. Ronald Veigas, and that you learned about his parish from our Késsinnimek - Roots - Racines newsletter.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at
Or, Fr. Ronald Veigas at
Thank you - Merci bien -Ktsi Oléoneh - Namaskar
Norm Léveillée
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