The Asian provinces
The FMA arrived in Asia, first in the Middle East (at Bethlehem in 1891) and later in southern India in 1922.
They opened their first community at Tanjore (24 November 1922 with an orphanage, sewing classes, an oratory and a dispensary; they later engaged in visits to the outlying villages.
In March the following year, under the guidance of the future bishop and martyr, Mons. Versiglia, the FMA set foot in China, opening the first community at Shiu Chow.
In 1929 the Institute’s presence in Asia developed further when it reached Japan, the land of the rising sun.
The growth of the Institute in Asia continued with a constant rhythm and after another two years, in 1931, a new horizon beckoned with the opening of the first community in the then Siam, present day Thailand. During the early years all the communities in these coutnries belonged to the Indian pre-province of Madras.
In 1938 the communities in China and Japan were formed into the Far Eastern pre-province.
Thailand, instead, continued as part of the Indian pre-province until 1952.