The parish of St. Francis Xavier in Lake Station is preparing to celebrate the feast day of its patron saint on Dec. 3, a day that holds special significance for the community. This celebration not only honors the life and legacy of St. Francis Xavier but also marks a moment of spiritual enrichment as it coincides with the beginning of the novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Francis Xavier was a 16th-century missionary, renowned for his tireless work spreading Christianity across Asia. Born in 1506 in the Kingdom of Navarra (modern-day Spain), he was one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1540.
His missionary journeys took him to India, Japan, and the islands of Southeast Asia, where he baptized thousands and established Christian communities. His zeal and dedication earned him the title “Apostle of the Indies,” and he is widely recognized as the patron saint of missions due to his extraordinary commitment to evangelization in distant lands.
The parish is especially blessed to have received a second-class relic of St. Francis Xavier in 2022. This sacred relic is available for veneration by parishioners and visitors, providing a tangible connection to the saint’s holy life and inspiring deeper faith and devotion. The presence of the relic enriches the parish's spiritual atmosphere and invites all to reflect on the missionary spirit exemplified by St. Francis Xavier.
The feast day celebration will begin with a bilingual Mass at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, accommodating both English and Spanish-speaking members of the community. This inclusive liturgy reflects the diverse and vibrant nature of the parish. Following the Mass, a festive gathering will take place in the church hall, generously hosted by some family members of our parish. This event is a joyful opportunity for fellowship and thanksgiving, as parishioners come together to honor one of Christianity’s most influential saints.
This special day is a reminder of St. Francis Xavier’s profound impact on the spread of the Gospel in Asia and his enduring legacy as a model of missionary zeal. The parish community is grateful to God for the gift of this saint’s example and the opportunity to celebrate his feast with reverence and joy.
All are warmly invited to join the Mass and the celebration, to venerate the relic, and to deepen their connection with the inspiring mission of St. Francis Xavier. This feast day promises to be a spiritually enriching experience that strengthens faith and community bonds alike.
Father Perea is the pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Lake Station
