The Domineering St Francis Xavier Church
One of Melaka’s Historical Attraction
The Gothic-styled St Francis Xavier Church with its twin tower could be easily noticed as you take a stroll along the Dutch Square in Melaka, Malaysia.
History
This Gothic-styled church is stuated close to the Dutch Square and facing the Melaka river. It was built in 1849 by a French Priest, Reverend Farve and was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, the great missionary to the East.
The frontal facade of this Gothic-styled St Francis Xavier Church
This church was once the largest church built by the Paris Foreign Missionary in Malay Peninsula. It was built on the land which once housed a Portuguese Church. Some believed that this church was modelled after the older original structure of Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier in Southern France.
St. Francis Xavier’s church could be easily recognized by its twin towers, arched doorways and colourful stained glass.
A Peek inside the Church
Once you step inside this church, you could marvel the colourful stained glass windows. Beside its vibrant colour, the history of the church and St. Francis Xavier were beautifully “shown” by the stained glass window.
Stained Glass Window found inside the church.
Beneath the church, you can find burial chamber. Inside are the remains of three pioneering French Catholic priest.
Interestingly, there are two sacred relics kept in this church.
Do the sacred relics have any connection with St. Francis Xavier?
Yes, they have.
These reliquaries or shrines are only exposed during the Feast of St. Francis. One of the them contains a fragment of a finger bone while the other holds a piece of skin taken from the foot of the saint.
Today, this church still serves its function as a Catholic Church.
For the benefits of its parishes, the church conducted its sermons in three languages which are English, Mandarin & Tamil during different sessions.
A quick note for the photographer:
You might notice that photographs taken from the frontal façade of this church looks “funny” as if it was leaning to the left. However, don’t freak, as it was only due to the slopping gradient of the road. THIS CHURCH IS STILL STANDING STRAIGHT!
Back to the Top of St Francis Xavier Church Page
Back to the Melaka Historical Fun Page
Go to the City Turtle Home Page
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.