Celebrating The Feast Of St Francis Xavier

By A Draft Correspondent

As December 3 dawns each year, the faithful around the world pause to remember St Francis Xavier on his death anniversary, reflecting on his life and legacy. Closer home, in Mumbai's Colaba, St. Francis Xavier's Chapel (Blessed Sacrament), near Colaba Post Office, is holding a feast on 3 December 2024.

Francis Xavier was born on 7 April, 1506, in Navarre, Spain, to a noble family. His work stretched far beyond the borders of his homeland, leaving an indelible imprint on regions as diverse as India, Japan, and the Malacca archipelago.

Father Christopher Ephrem

Xavier's early years were steeped in academia and ambition, as he pursued a promising future at the University of Paris. It was there that his life took a transformative turn. He met Ignatius of Loyola, whose vision for a society devoted to spreading the Gospel profoundly influenced Xavier and together they co-founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

On the eve of the occasion, Father Christopher Ephrem, Chapel In-Charge spoke to The Draft Colaba. He says, "Patron Francis Xavier, known for his love for Christ and service for all. One should live like a traveller who is not just on a journey but on a pilgrimage ... to God."

The death anniversary of St. Francis Xavier is more than a day of remembrance; it is a celebration of his ideals and the timeless relevance of his work. 

Across the world, especially in Goa and coastal regions of India, special masses, processions and novenas are held, creating an aura of devotion that mirrors the universality of his mission.

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