Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, celebrated the feast of its patron St Francis Xavier SJ on Friday. Faculty, Staff, and students participated in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration to seek the 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 wished students to aspire to be like St Francis Xavier. He said that St Xavier was a missionary and visionary person who thought of society and the people. He believed that society should not settle for mediocrity and that every individual should thrive for excellence. Men and women should provide themselves for others and the person should take importance in building their personalities.

Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, Assistant Director, XISS along with Fr Xavier Soreng SJ, Superior, XISS, Fr Claber Minz SJ, and Fr Samir SJ led the congregation in prayer and reiterated that we should make all efforts to imbibe the qualities of St Francis Xavier.

The mass consisted of the first, and second readings from the Bible and a short homily by the Director, XISS who prayed for the well-being of the entire XISS family. The programme concluded with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist to all Catholic members present.

The vote of thanks was given by Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, Assistant Director, XISS, who thanked the choir, and everyone present for participating in the mass prayer. A cake-cutting ceremony was also organized by the XISS Family on the occasion.

Blood Donation Camp organized by RCSR Club on the occasion of Feast Day

A Blood Donation Camp was also organized by the Rotaract Club of Social Revolution (RCSR) of XISS. Director, XISS said that it was very symbolic to have the blood donation camp on the feast day of St Francis Xavier. As Fr Xavier gave his life, sweat, and blood for the people of India so also are the blood donors by happily giving blood to give new life to many who need blood to save their lives. Members of the club actively participated in the blood donation camp and made efforts to save the lives of many.