Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, celebrated the feast of its patron St. Francis Xavier SJ on Tuesday. Faculty, Staff, and Students participated in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration to seek blessings of their patron, who during his short yet inspiring tenure on earth touched the lives of many.

Widely known as the apostle patron of India, St. Francis Xavier came to India in the year 1542 to spread the Word of God and worked tirelessly for almost 10 years. His casket is entombed in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa.

The mass was conducted by Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director, XISS, and in his tribute, he reflected on the Gospel and quoted, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul." He emphasized that St. Francis Xavier always chose to serve society, urging the congregation to follow his example and make meaningful choices in their lives.

Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, Assistant Director, XISS, along with Fr Ashok Kandulna and Fr Nicolas Barla, led the congregation in prayer and reiterated the importance of imbibing the qualities of St. Francis Xavier.

The mass included the first and second readings from the Bible and a short homily by Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, who prayed for the well-being of the entire XISS family. The program concluded with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist to all Catholic members present.

The vote of thanks was given by Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, who expressed gratitude to the choir and all attendees for their participation in the mass prayer. A cake-cutting ceremony was also organized by the XISS Family on the occasion.