St. Francis Xavier's Church, Kolkata.

15/08/2026

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION AND INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

The Parishioners of SFXC, solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Assumption and Independence Day in a fitting way by recalling to mind the Grace-filled, "YES" of Our BLESSED Mother Mary and Our Freedom Fighters. They hearkened to the voice of the "Spirit" and brought Joy and Freedom in the Church and in our Country. Let us strive to live the inspiration of the Poet Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, who writes "Into that heaven of freedom my Father, let my Country awake, where knowledge is free, where there is no fear, where people are not divided by narrow domestic walls..". This can only become a reality when we imbibe the spirit of Obedience doing the Will of God; having the Poverty of spirit by being humble and selfless in service and Love in our hearts, enabling us to realise that we are children of God, like Mamma Mary lived. Together let us voice the Magnificat with Mamma Mary, praying, "My Soul magnifies the Lord. He who is mighty has done great things, Holy is His Name. He has put down the proud hearted and has raised the lowly. He feeds the 'poor- starving' with good things and sends the 'rich' away empty. His Mercy is upon us forever".
Happy Feast & Jai Hind 🇮🇳

26/07/2026

Joyous Celebration of Grand-Parents and Elders Day at St. Francis Xavier's Church, Bowbazar

Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus, remind us of the quiet, enduring power of family. Their lives celebrate patience, devotion, and the vital role of passing on faith from generation to generation. They teach us that God often prepares the way for immense grace through the simple, everyday holiness of a loving home.
The lives of Sts.Joachim and Anne offer practical lessons for daily life:
Waiting on God: In a culture of instant gratification, their story reminds us of the value of persevering in prayer during times of waiting or "barrenness" in our own lives.
*Passing the Torch:* They serve as patrons of Grandparents. Their nurturing of Mary laid the groundwork for her own courageous "yes" to God. This highlights the vital, quiet work of elders in building the foundation of faith for the next generation.
Through the Eucharistic Celebration, Fr. Alphonso Francis, exhorted the noble lives of our Grand-Parents and prayed for their good health, peace of mind and heart through the holy anointing with the Sacred Oil of the Sick.

16/07/2026

You will be missed.

16/07/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Mr. Glen Ernest Meyers

Family, friends, and well-wishers are invited to join us in praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Funeral Mass:
Friday, 17th July 2026, at 2:00 PM
at St. Francis Xavier's Church, Bowbazar**

This will be followed by the Interment at:
3:00 PM
at Lower Circular Road Cemetery

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this time of grief.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

22/06/2026

Fathers' Day Celebration at Sacred Heart Chinese Chapel, on 21st June, 2026.

21/06/2026

FATHER'S DAY CELEBRATION AT SFXC, BOWBAZAR
St. Francis Xavier's Church is experiencing a new lease of life with various activities organised by the vibrant Youth of the Parish.
Today, the Youth organised Father's Day Celebration.
The Liturgy, Prayers and Blessings was very well organised by the Parish Priest and the Youth, with appropriate Hymns, Introduction, Offertory and Thanksgiving.
The short felicitation program by the little children with their song, "Showers of Blessings", Poems, Speeches and Dance by Sharis to the song, "Papa meri Jaan" was a delight for all the Fathers.
Sr. Pushpa with the little Catechism Children and SCC Members, thanked Fr. Alphonso Francis, the Parish Priest in a very special way for being the "Papa of the Parish". It was indeed a surprise and yet a fitting way to render gratitude to the Parish Priest.
The Fathers were Blessed with a Special Prayer and each of them were presented with a hand-made Card prepared by the Children, a Holy Picture of "St. Joseph, the Father of Our Family" and a Coffee Cup as Souvenir depicting a picture with the Caption, "I don't need GOOGLE, my DAD knows everything".
Fr. Alphonso, in his homily emphasized the "Everlasting love of God our Father, who stands by us at every moment of our lives and empowers us to live in His Grace despite our sinfulness. We are Precious in God's sight". This message was just fitting for Our Father's Day Celebration because as Our Heavenly Father, so too our Earthly Fathers stand by us, though with their personal weakness, they empower us with their guidance, love and pain staking effort to provide for the family. The Fathers were encouraged and received this noble message and went home happily.
We would like to thank our Youth President Silvester Alexander and Secretary Jizzelle Lindsay for initiating Travis, Chris, Sharis, Justin, Ethan, Jayden, Blaine, Ryan, Michaela, Betty and Aiden for expressing themselves so joyfully and enthusiastically.
The SCC Members too felicitated the Parish Priest with a Cake and Souvenir. Fr. Alphonso thanked the SCC Members for their wishes and requested them to assist Fr. Peppin with the House Blessings and the Consecration/Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The SCC Members happily agreed to take up the Pastoral Mission entrusted to them. We thank Sr. Pushpa MC, Hrik Pramanik , the President of the SCC and Dominic Gomes for their valuable initiative.
On the whole the Father's Day was a Grand and Meaningful celebration.
Let us Love Jesus
Let us Live Jesus

Jizzelle Lindsay

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

FAREWELL TO SR. PAULINE SJA AND
WELCOME TO SR. RAHIL SJA
Today as a Parish we celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We gratefully "Thanked" Sr. Pauline for her dedicated, joyful and committed service to Our Parish for 4 years.
Sr. Pauline is fondly remembered by the Elderly and Sick, whom she regularly visited with Holy Communion. The Youth found in her a friend whom she prepared for receiving the Sacrament of 'Confirmation'. She found the Youth very enthusiastic, good and cooperative.
Sr. Pauline has left with us sweet memories and now she inspires Sr. Rahil, to take up the reigns from her and continue the Pastoral Ministry initiated by her.
Sr. Pauline is transferred to her Community and High School in Tata, Jamshedpur as the Superior of the House. We wish her God's choicest blessings in her new assignment.
We accord a warm 'Welcome' to Sr. Rahil to our Parish and wish her a fruitful Pastoral Ministry.
The Youth fittingly celebrated Sr. Pauline's Farewell with a meaningful Speech, Bouquet, Garland and Gifts.
Sr. Pauline was given a Grand Farewell at The Chinese Chapel. "I have carried you on Eagle's wings"- this was the parting message of Fr. Alphonso Francis, reminding Sr. Pauline that God will continue to strengthen her and enable her to soar higher in His Love and Goodness.
The Youth with their Animators and Teachers organised a small gathering as a sign of warm appreciation for Sr. Pauline.
"You received without paying, give without pay" these words of Jesus have been truly felt in the Pastoral Ministry of Sr. Pauline among the Elderly, Sick and the Youth.
Let us turn our hearts and minds to the "Sacred Heart of Jesus - the Centre of Our Parish Life".
Angelica Lobo

07/06/2026

Wishing you a Very Happy Feast of the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus. 🙏

Let us realize more and more the sublime offering which Jesus makes by coming into our lives in the form of the "small host"- "small, yes but so strengthening, nourishing and everlasting".

31/05/2026

The Summer Camp at St. Xavier's Church, Bowbazar was an exciting, enjoyable, educative and spiritually enriching experience.
The Two days program on 30th and 31st have been enjoyable days. First and foremost, the Youth themselves arranged the entire program. The Donation Drive, the different Events, Prizes, Trophies and Food was arranged by the Youth. It was their sincere endeavour which made the Summer Camp happen. Having 40 children, divided into 4 groups, with 10 members each in each group was indeed a blessing.
The first event of the Summer Camp after the Praise and Worship Action Songs was Banner making. Through this we came to know the names of the 4 Groups
1. The Chosen One
2. Grace Rollers
3. Faith over Fear
4. Grace Gang
The various activities such as Banner making, Treasure Hunt, Football, Musical Chair, Fancy Dress and Quiz based on
- Kids Round
- Entertainment
- Science & Technology
- Bible
- Sports
- Fastest Fingers First, were the highlights of the Summer Camp.
The Food on both days, was tasty and healthy prepared by Dionne Alexander.
The Animators, Volunteers and Parish Council Members were of great help with guidance, support and presence.
Keeping in mind the theme," Together we move in Faith" in the words of St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, " For we walk by Faith, not by sight" , was experienced in all the Activities the Children performed.
The Team, 'Faith over Fear' were declared Winners securing 65 points, and the Runners Up were 'Grace Gang ' with 64 points..
The Summer Camp ended in the true spirit of growing and walking in Faith.
Let us love Jesus.
Let us Live Jesus.