St. Francis Xavier Church, Malacca
Melaka
The Church of St. Francis Xavier, located in Malacca City, Malaysia, is the largest church in Melaka and the third oldest after St. Peter's Church and Christ Church. Constructed beginning in 1849 on the site of an older Portuguese church, it was founded by French MEP priest Father Farvé who secured funding through extensive efforts, completing the building in 1856 with additions continuing until 1874. Architecturally, it is a unique twin-spired neo-Gothic structure, modeled after the Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier, France, and remains the only neo-Gothic church in Malaysia. The church features a portico added in 1965, a shrine in front, and stained glass windows from the late 1800s and early 2000s depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier, commissioned from Vietnam. Beneath the church lie the tombs of three priests who served there, and a statue of St. Francis Xavier with his follower Yajiro stands at the entrance, donated by Japanese Catholics. Notably, the church is slightly tilted due to damage from a World War II bomb explosion near its right tower. Its high altar, once regarded as one of the most stunning in the region, was dismantled and partially incorporated into the current altar following Vatican II reforms. The church played a significant role in founding several other parishes within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malacca–Johor, marking its importance in regional ecclesiastical history.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and to experience a peaceful atmosphere. Advance ticket purchase is not required, but checking the opening hours beforehand is recommended. The church offers free entry, and visitors can enjoy the stained glass windows and serene ambiance. Modest dress is recommended as it is an active place of worship. Photographs are generally allowed but should be taken respectfully. The church is accessible by local transport and is near other heritage sites in Melaka, making it ideal for combined sightseeing.
Interesting facts
- •The church is the largest in Melaka and the only neo-Gothic structure in Malaysia.
- •It was modeled after the Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier, Southern France.
- •The church is slightly tilted due to a World War II bomb explosion near its right tower.
- •Stained glass windows depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier were commissioned from Vietnam and date back to the late 1800s.
- •The organ donated in the early 1900s is now in disrepair but remains a historic feature.
- •A statue of St. Francis Xavier and his follower Yajiro was donated by Japanese Catholics and stands at the church entrance.
History
The Church of St.
Francis Xavier was established in 1849 by Father Farvé on the site of the old Portuguese Church of St Dominic.
Fundraising efforts spanned several years, culminating in the church's completion in 1856, with the presbytery added in 1874.
Initially, jurisdictional issues delayed its founding due to conflicts with the Portuguese St.
Peter's Church under Macau's diocese.
In the early 1900s, a marble high altar was imported from France, once considered one of the most magnificent in the region.
The church underwent modifications including the addition of a portico in 1965 and a shrine shortly after.
Damage from a World War II bomb caused the church to tilt slightly, a visible reminder of its resilience through historical conflicts.
Place Guide
Twin-Spired Neo-Gothic Architecture1849-1856
The church's distinctive twin spires and neo-Gothic design are inspired by the Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier, France, making it unique in Malaysia. The portico was added in 1965, complementing the original structure.
Stained Glass WindowsLate 19th century and early 2000s
The church features stained glass windows above the altar from the late 1800s depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier, commissioned from Vietnam, as well as additional windows from the early 2000s donated by benefactors.
Tombs of Serving Priests
Beneath the church lie the tombs of three priests who served at St. Francis Xavier's Church, marking the church's longstanding clerical heritage.
Statue of St. Francis Xavier and Yajiro
A statue of St. Francis Xavier and his follower Yajiro stands at the church entrance, donated by Japanese Catholics as a symbol of the saint's missionary influence in Asia.
Contact
Phone: 06-282 4770
