For one hundred years, the OMCFAA – Œuvre des missions catholiques françaises d'Asie et d'Afrique has stood as a living bridge between continents. Born from the collaboration between Europe and Asia and later expanding its reach to Africa and the Middle East, the foundation embodies a truly intercontinental spirit of cooperation. Today OMCFAA works for justice and development in partnership with other European Jesuit NGOs in the Xavier Network, a network of Jesuit NGOs dependent on the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials. The following article was written by the EOF province on the occasion of 100th anniversary of OMCFAA:

In 2026, the OMCFAA – Œuvre des missions catholiques françaises d'Asie et d'Afrique — more simply known as the Missions Foundation — celebrates its 100th anniversary. For a century, this foundation has embodied a vibrant missionary spirit, supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, social outreach, agriculture, culture, and the promotion of the French language. Faithful to its founding inspiration, it continues to respond creatively and generously to the needs of communities across several continents.

A Legacy Rooted in Shanghai

The story begins in 1903 with the founding of Aurora University in Shanghai by two Jesuits: the French missionary François Perrin and the Chinese scholar Joseph Ma Xiangbo. Until 1949, the university provided higher education in French and English to nearly 250 students, forming generations of leaders and professionals.

To sustain and expand this mission, the French Jesuits established the Œuvre des missions catholiques françaises d’Asie (OMCFA). Following their expulsion from China in 1949, the foundation redirected its commitment to new horizons: Africa, Madagascar, and the Middle East. Renamed OMCFAA, it broadened its support to French Jesuit missions in Chad, the Middle East, Madagascar, and beyond.

Supporting Hope Across Continents

Each year, the foundation supports around fifty projects worldwide. These include:

• Saint Joseph University (USJ) and the Notre-Dame de Jamhour in Beirut

• Charles Lwanga College in Sarh and Saint-François-Xavier College in N'Djamena

• The Bon Samaritain University Hospital Centers in Chad

• Hôtel-Dieu de France in Beirut, administered by USJ

Beyond these institutions, numerous projects serve the most vulnerable: empowering women in India, providing healthcare for the poorest in Vietnam, assisting flood victims, and responding to urgent humanitarian needs wherever they arise.

None of this would be possible without the faithful and generous support of patrons, donors, benefactors, and friends who enable the foundation to carry forward its mission with courage and hope.

A “Spacious” Solidarity

As it marks this centenary, the Missions Foundation hopes to become better known among all who wish to foster solidarity — a “spacious” solidarity that extends wherever a helping hand is offered. It is a solidarity that allows each person, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, to find their rightful place in society and to contribute to the common good.

In a world often marked by division, the call is to look beyond borders and build bridges through dialogue and encounter, uniting as one people committed to peace. This is the spirit that has animated the OMCFAA for 100 years — and that will continue to guide it into the future.

Together, let us renew and strengthen this shared mission of solidarity.