Our first pastor, Reverend David J. Hickey celebrated the first Mass of St. Francis Xavier of the Indies on September 19, 1886. The parish was named at the request of Father Hickey for his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier College in New York City. (i)

Our current church building was dedicated on May 15, 1904. With over a thousand parishioners present, Monsignor David Hickey preached, “Amidst all the material work that has been accomplished, your spiritual interests and those of your children have not been neglected, and this grand church would be in vain if it were not a means to make our spiritual lives better and more beautiful…Your temple will preach a sermon to the passerby. Let your lives preach a sermon by example to all with whom you mingle.” (ii)

Our parish has grown much in the years since the first mass of the parish and the dedication of our church, but we pray our hearts and lives continue to serve as a blessing to each other and to our neighborhood.

i. St. Francis Xavier of the Indies Parish centennial book. Brooklyn, NY. 1986.
ii. St. Francis Xavier of the Indies Parish centennial book. Brooklyn, NY. 1986.