José XifréiMussach was born in a farmhouse called “Can Sibiu” on the outskirts of the city of Vic on 19February 1817. His parents were Josep and Teresa. He was the fourth of six siblings. After having studied at the diocesan seminary of Vic, on February 16, 1840 he received the Priestly ordination in Rome since the Spanish government had forbidden the bishops to confer Holy Orders. There he probably met a fellow countryman who was trying to offer himself as a Propaganda Fide missionary in the Near East countries; his name was Antonio Claret.In 1842, Fr.Xifré returned to Vic and was destined as Vicar to the town of Prats de Lluçanès; where he began to dedicate himself to preaching.

On 16July1849, he was a member of the small group of five young priests who, summoned and thrilled by Fr. Claret, founded the first Claretian community in Vic, Barcelona.

In 1850, Fr. Claret, having been appointed Archbishop of Santiago of Cuba, had to leave the group, putting it under the direction of one of the five fellow members, Fr. Esteban Sala. During those early years, Fr. Xifré assiduously dedicated himself to preaching around the villages and, above all, giving spiritual retreats.

On 18April1858, Fr. Esteban Sala died in Barcelona; and on 01May Fr. Xifré was elected to succeed him as Superior General; a position that he held until his death, on 03November1899.

Throughout his long governing term of almost 42 years, Fr. Xifré gave new impulse with energy, zeal and enthusiasm, to the missionary group, passing from one house and a dozen missionaries, to 61 houses, scattered around the world (Europe, America and Africa) and a total of 1782 members. He travelled tirelessly, summoned six General Chapters, had the group recognized as a religious Congregation by the Holy See and the civil government of Spain, preached and wrote books and circulars, with a hectic pace, despite his delicate health. In his book “Spirit of the Congregation”, he outlined in particular his missionary ideal that he fostered everywhere. He always put forward the figure of the Founder, Fr. Claret, as a model.

In one of his last letters to the Congregation he wrote: “My dearest Congregation: I have loved you as much as I could until the end, and I will not forget you in eternity. I have lived exclusively for you, without avoiding sacrifices or dangers …”