South Asian Mass group will assist with 5 pm vigil Mass; Fr Elvin Cardoso, SJ, who ministered at the Basilica Shrine of Bom Jesus, Goa, India, where the remains of St. Francis are located, will preside and Fr. Elvin and parishioner Ian Severes will share reflections on pilgrimage and on the legacy of  St. Francis Xavier’s Ministry in India.**

**A reception with light refreshments will follow the 5 pm Saturday Vigil Mass in Lower St. John’s

St. John’s announces its annual Novena of Grace in Honor of St. Francis Xavier, SJ. All are invited to join the Novena as we pray and are inspired by the call of Pope Francis to be “Pilgrims of Hope”. 2025 is the Jubilee Holy Year, the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord, an "event of great spiritual, ecclesial, and social significance in the life of the Church." The concept of "Jubilee" has its origins in the Book of Leviticus (chapter 25) as a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming home. Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope."

Novena prayer and blessing with the relic of St. Francis Xavier, SJ, at all Masses, March 4-12.