Diocese of Mysore Celebrates Feast of St Francis Xavier With Clergy Gathering and Felicitation of Bishop Francis Serrao

Mysuru, 4 December 2025 — Priests, religious superiors and brothers from across the diocese of Mysore gathered at the diocesan centre to celebrate the feast of St Francis Xavier and take part in the annual Christmas get-together, an event that brought together clergy and religious for reflection, fellowship and the felicitation of Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ. 

The programme opened with a session led by Fr. Freddy D’Silva, SJ, who drew from the social teachings of Pope Leo XIII to highlight the Church’s responsibility towards the poor. He encouraged clergy and religious to strengthen their pastoral commitment in a world marked by inequality and invited them to view their mission through the lens of compassion and social responsibility.

This was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ. In his homily, he reflected on human dignity, reminding participants that while humanity is formed from the earth, it bears the breath of God. Drawing inspiration from the missionary life of St Francis Xavier, he invited the clergy and religious to renew their dedication to evangelisation with humility and perseverance. 

A brief felicitation programme honoured Bishop Serrao on his feast day, with clergy and religious expressing appreciation for his pastoral leadership, simplicity and closeness to the people. They acknowledged his consistent focus on the poor and marginalised, values that aligned with the day’s theme of Dilexit Nos.

The Bishop later greeted each priest and religious personally, extending Christmas wishes and offering a small gift as a gesture of gratitude and unity. The gathering concluded in an atmosphere of fraternity and shared purpose, reinforcing the spirit of mission as the diocese prepares for the Christmas season.

By Fr. Arul Selva Kumar

Coordinator of Diocesan commissions