St. Francis Xavier (Diocese of Harrisburg)
| St. Francis Xavier Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Francis Xavier |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Diocesan clergy |
| Venerated Saints: | Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint John Berchmans |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Harrisburg |
| Deanery: | Capital Deanery |
| Address: | 22 W High St., Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325 |
| City: | Gettysburg, PA |
| Subdivision: | Pennsylvania |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Adams County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1840 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@stfxhbg.org |
| AI Confidence: | Not rated |
| Review Level: | 0/5 (unreviewed) |
St. Francis Xavier Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Harrisburg, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier, the 16th-century Jesuit missionary and patron saint of foreign missions, the parish serves a diverse community in Dauphin County.
Established in 1840, St. Francis Xavier Parish has a long history of serving the spiritual needs of the city's residents. The current church building was constructed in 1865 and features a striking Gothic Revival design.
The parish community is known for its vibrant liturgical life, with daily Masses and various devotional services throughout the year.
History
St. Francis Xavier Parish was established in 1840 by Bishop Michael O'Connor of the Diocese of Harrisburg.[1]
The parish has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the current church building being dedicated in 1865.
Special features
- Annual Mission Sunday celebration
- Ministries inspired by Saint Francis Xavier's missionary spirit, including outreach to the homeless and marginalized
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, a relic of Saint John Berchmans, a Jesuit novice who died at a young age, is enshrined in the church.
Architecture
The church features a striking Gothic Revival design with a prominent bell tower and stained glass windows depicting various saints.
External features
- A beautiful courtyard garden provides a peaceful oasis for prayer and reflection
- The parish's historic rectory building houses the parish office and meeting rooms
Interior features
- Stained glass windows featuring Saint Francis Xavier and other Jesuit saints
- Ornate altar and sanctuary furniture reflecting the parish's rich history and tradition
Art and Devotional Features
Devotional elements focus on Saint Francis Xavier, reflecting his life of missionary service and devotion to the Lord.
Stained Glass Windows
- A stunning window depicting the martyrdom of Saint Francis Xavier in Japan
- Other windows featuring various Jesuit saints and martyrs
Statues and Sculptures
- A beautiful statue of Saint Francis Xavier stands in the church's narthex
- Other statues and sculptures throughout the church reflect the parish's devotion to its patron saint
Other Artwork
- A historic pipe organ adorns the church's sanctuary
- Various works of art and mosaics throughout the church reflect the parish's rich history and tradition
Image gallery
`
No gallery has been created yet. Type "Gallery" into the input box to create the page, save the page with the loaded template, and then use the Form tab to start adding photos. No gallery subpage has been created. Please use the input box above to create it.
Related parishes
- Saint Patrick Catholic Church (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
External links
References
- ↑ "St. Francis Xavier - Harrisburg". Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg. https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/st-francis-xavier-harrisburg/.