MELAKA : St Francis Xavier Church is holding a triduum and series of Eucharistic Celebrations themed Faithfulness of Christ and Faithfulness of Priests from Nov 4 to 6 to celebrate the upcoming 160th foundation anniversary celebrations.

This will be followed by a concelebrated thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration presided principally by Apostolate Delegate Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio on Nov 7.

“This is a time for the faithful and laity to take stock of on-going efforts to build basic ecclesial communities (BECs) and to deepen awareness and commitment to a New Way of being Church,” said parish priest Fr M. Devadasan,

He noted, “In this respect, the faithful’s efforts are always appreciated in this long and arduous journey as we are constantly reminded and assured that God is present towards enhancing the fulfilment of His plan of communion.”

The sunset thanksgiving service will be followed by a grand celebration dinner at the Pay Teck School Hall where Archbishop Pennacchio will be the principal guest of honour. He will officially launch the 140-page parish souvenir magazine at the glittering function which will also witness items by the various parish language groups and choirs

Also expected in dinner attendance is a delegation of the St Francis Xavier Churches of Melaka and Kagoshima- Malaysia Friendship Association while Msgr Sebastian Francis will grace the occasion officially representing Bishop Paul Tan who will be away in Rome at the time.

The celebrations will continue with the St Francis Xavier feastday commemoration beginning with another three-day triduum between Dec 2-4 followed by an Eucharistic Celebration at St Paul’s Hill on Dec 5 and a candlelight procession ending with Benediction at the Banda Kaba church. The customary tri-lingual (English, Mandarin and Tamil) Eucharistic Celebration is also scheduled for the hill venue on Dec 6 morning. — By Percy D’Cruz