Francis Xavier
The largest church in Melaka and the only neo-gothic structure in Malaysia.
The Church of St. Francis Xavier in Malacca City, Malacca, Malaysia, is the largest church in Melaka and the third oldest after St. Peter's Church and Christ Church. Built in 1849 on the site of an old Portuguese Church of St Dominic by a French MEP priest, Father Farvé, it was completed in 1856 with funds raised as far as South America. The church is a twin-spired neo-gothic structure, believed to be modeled after the Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier, Southern France, and is the only neo-gothic structure in Malaysia.
- field
- Missionary work, cleric
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The church's origins date from 1845 but were delayed due to jurisdiction issues with St. Peter's Church, which was under the Diocese of Macau. Father Farvé raised funds for the church, finally enough in 1856, and finishing touches were completed that year by Father Allard, with the presbytery built in 1874. In the early 1900s, a marble high altar was purchased from France and placed in the sanctuary, once known as one of the most stunning altar pieces in the region. Much of the church remains unchanged except for a portico added in 1965 and a shrine built in front a few years after. The church also founded other parishes within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malacca–Johor, such as St. Philip's Church, Segamat, St. Theresa's Church, St Andrew Church Muar in 1908, and St Mary Ayer Salak in 1848.
Reader's Guide
Beneath the church are the tombs of three priests who served St Francis Xavier's church. The side windows are fitted with stained glass from the early 2000s, with the earliest stained glass from the late 1800s placed above the altar depicting the life of St Francis Xavier, commissioned from Vietnam. The organ on the choir loft was donated in the early 1900s but is now in disrepair. Three stained glasses above the main entrance and the lower window of the two transepts were donated by a benefactor in 1999, while the remaining smaller stained glass windows were made in 2002. The church appears tilted due to a WW2 bomb that exploded next to the right tower. The original high altar was dismantled and used for the current altar. A statue of St Francis Xavier and Yajiro, one of his followers, was placed on the right of the church entrance as a donation from Catholics in Japan.
Did You Know?
- The church was built on the site of an old Portuguese Church of St Dominic.
- Funds for the church were raised by Father Farvé as far as the South Americas.
- The marble high altar was purchased from France in the early 1900s.
- The church appears tilted due to a WW2 bomb that exploded next to the right tower.
- A statue of St Francis Xavier and Yajiro was donated by Catholics in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Francis Xavier?
Francis Xavier was a Navarrese-born cleric and missionary who lived from 1506 to 1552. He is best remembered as a co-founder of the Society of Jesus and as the first Christian missionary to lead a mission to Japan. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic tradition.
What is Francis Xavier famous for?
He is celebrated for pioneering Christian missionary work across Asia, including India, Japan, and the Chinese coast. His role as a representative of the Portuguese Empire in spreading the faith earned him titles such as 'Apostle of the Far East' and 'Apostle of Japan.' Many regard him as one of the most significant missionaries since the era of Paul the Apostle.
Where and when did Francis Xavier die?
He passed away on 3 December 1552 on Shangchuan Island, off the coast of Ming China. He had been traveling to reach the Chinese mainland to continue his evangelization efforts when he fell ill and died before arriving.
What is Francis Xavier's connection to the Jesuits?
He was one of the original co-founders of the Society of Jesus, the religious order commonly known as the Jesuits. After helping establish that order, he devoted the remainder of his life to carrying out its mission of spreading Christianity to the far reaches of the world, particularly across Asia.
Why is Francis Xavier considered so important in church history?
His extensive missionary journeys across the Indian Ocean and into East Asia opened new avenues for Christian evangelization in regions that had never before received a formal mission. His legacy as a Jesuit co-founder combined with his pioneering work in Japan and the Indies cement his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of Christian mission work.
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