St. Francis Xavier Major Seminary, Lahore, joyfully celebrated its 31st Annual Feast Day on December 3, 2025, honouring St. Francis Xavier, the patron of missions and evangelization. The day was marked by profound prayer, rich liturgy, and joyful Christmas celebrations, uniting seminarians, priests, religious, and friends of the seminary.
A Day Rooted in Prayer: Solemn Lauds Begin the Celebration
The feast day commenced with the Solemn Lauds, presided over by Rev. Fr. Akash Yousaf. Prayed with deep reverence in the seminary chapel, the Lauds set a contemplative tone for the day. The community invoked the intercession of St. Francis Xavier, thanking God for his missionary legacy and praying for renewed zeal in the Church’s evangelizing mission.
Solemn Eucharistic Celebration: Honouring the Missionary Spirit
At 4:30 p.m., the seminary community gathered for the solemn Eucharistic celebration, the spiritual heart of the feast day. The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Pascal Paulus OP, Vice Provincial, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Imran Benjamin, Rev. Fr. Amjad Yousaf, and several other diocesan and religious priests who joined the celebration. The liturgy was marked by deep reverence and joy, beautifully enriched by the seminary choir. In his homily, Fr. Pascal Paulus OP reflected on the missionary zeal and unwavering faith of St. Francis Xavier, encouraging seminarians to embrace his dedication to prayer, evangelization, and selfless service in their own vocational journey.
Cultural and Christmas Programme
Following the Holy Mass, the celebrations continued with a vibrant Christmas Programme organized by the seminarians. The evening featured:
- Beautiful Christmas Carols
- An inspiring English Play on the role of angels in the Nativity
- A reflective Shadow Act
- A dynamic UV Act, adding creative brilliance and energy
These performances expressed the joy of the season and showcased the gifts, discipline, and formation of the seminarians as they prepare for priesthood.
Fraternal Meal and Fellowship
The feast concluded with a festive dinner, offering a joyful moment of fellowship among priests, seminarians, religious, and invited guests. This communal meal strengthened the bonds of unity and gratitude within the seminary community.
Special appreciation was extended to Rev. Fr. Imran Benjamin and Fr. Akash Yousaf for their dedicated leadership and coordination of the entire celebration.
A Celebration of Faith, Mission, and Community
The 31st Feast of St. Francis Xavier at the Major Seminary was marked by spiritual depth, cultural richness, and communal joy. It beautifully honoured the legacy of a great missionary saint while renewing the seminary’s commitment to forming future priests who will serve as missionaries of hope and heralds of the Gospel.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us!
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