Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier’s (Digitizing/Archiving System)
Pilar Fathers Preserve Precious Patrimony using help from Demerg Systems Inc.
by Joel D'Souza

In their pursuit to preserve the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier’s rich past (founded in 1887), the Pilar Fathers have adopted the latest technology to archive their documents – going back as far as their kept records. These documents have now been electronically digitized.

Says Fr Peter D’Mello: “We have to use the implements that the future will use. The electronic archives now contain our precious patrimony.”

Digital archiving has dual benefits for the Society. Firstly, the process aids administration by providing details of policies that have been drawn up over the years. The electronic media facilitates better maintenance of records and files. Secondly, it helps in research work for the members of the Society.

After their General Council decided that digitizing the archives deserved priority, the Pilar Fathers approached Demerg Systems India (DSI). “DSI started the job enthusiastically and installed state-of-the-art scanning facilities,” says Fr D’Mello.

Goa-based Demerg Systems India (a division of Canadian based Demerg Systems Inc.), successfully completed the project in March 2006 to the satisfaction of the Pilar Fathers. DSI scanned, touched up and uploaded over 2 lakh documents including ledgers that dated back almost 100 years, many of which required very careful handling. A lot of them were rendered quite brittle with age. “This project is very essential for our growth, particularly for research students.” Says Fr. D’Mello.

“The DSI designed software in now place. It is basically a search software. We have categorized the massive data collected in files, categories, sections and sub-sections, allotting them levels of security. Not all files will be accessible to every one since there is a certain sense of confidentially. Confidentiality has been the main area of concern for us throughout of our project,” says Fr D’Mello.

Fr D’Mello says, “Without being proud we can say we are a bit of a pioneering Society…in various ministries – prison ministry, sadhbhavana style of working with various religious groups.” Today there are exactly 303 Pilar priests, fostering the spirit of St Francis Xavier, going out to places to proclaim Christ. “If anybody is willing to help us out, he is always welcome. Fr Agnelo’s Goan friends in London, specially, help in the canonization process of Fr Agnelo, by working for the cause, praying for it, collecting funds, etc,” informs Fr D’Mello.

“I would like to thank Tim de Mello and his team at Demerg Systems India who have worked hard on this project. They have satisfied us fully. This project is very important for us, since we consider the archives very precious,” Fr D’Mello adds.