Visit
UnknownUnknown, Unknown 00000Mass: Monday - Friday 7:00 AM (Daily Mass)
When to go
Mass times
- Monday - Friday7:00 AM · Daily Mass
- Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday12:10 PM · Daily Mass
- Sunday8:30 AM & 11:00 AM · Sunday Mass
- Saturday6:00 PM · Vigil Mass
About
Summary
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, located in Nassau. Founded in 1885, it is a historic and welcoming place of worship with a rich tradition of community and faith. The cathedral offers daily and Sunday Masses, and is known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant parish life About Us.
Details
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, located on West and West Hill Streets in Nassau, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The cornerstone was laid in 1885 under the supervision of Father John O'Keefe, and the church was consecrated by Archbishop Michael A. Corrigan of New York in 1887. Named after St. Francis Xavier, a co-patron saint of the Archdiocese of Nassau, the cathedral is a historic and spiritual landmark in the Bahamas About Us.
The cathedral is known for its welcoming community and vibrant parish life. Visitors often describe the congregation as warm and friendly, with a strong sense of family and tradition. Masses are held daily and on Sundays, with a focus on both solemnity and joy. The cathedral also hosts a variety of events and activities, including bazaars, bingo nights, and religious education programs Events and Activities.
The cathedral's services include daily Mass at 7:00 AM and 12:10 PM, as well as Sunday Mass at 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Special events like Stations of the Cross and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are also offered Mass Schedule. The cathedral is open to visitors and welcomes all who wish to pray or attend Mass Contact Us.
From Faith Near Me
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, located in Nassau, is a historic Roman Catholic church founded in 1885 that offers a welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere. First-time visitors would likely notice the warm, friendly congregation and the cathedral's rich tradition of community and faith. The cathedral's services and events reflect a blend of solemnity and joy, making it a vibrant spiritual landmark in the Bahamas.
Pros
- The cathedral offers daily and Sunday Masses with clear schedules posted online.
- The congregation is described as warm and friendly, with a strong sense of family and tradition.
- The cathedral hosts a variety of community events, including bazaars, bingo nights, and religious education programs.
- The historic significance and architectural presence of the cathedral add to its appeal.
- The cathedral provides additional spiritual services like Stations of the Cross, Reconciliation, and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
- The cathedral is open to visitors and welcomes all who wish to pray or attend Mass.
Cons
- The website does not provide detailed information about specific ministries or programs for children and families.
- Accessibility details for the cathedral's facilities are not clearly stated on the website.
- Parking and arrival logistics for first-time visitors are not explicitly addressed on the website.
- The cathedral's location cues are minimal, which might make it challenging for newcomers to find without prior navigation experience.
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Confuse Polarity8 years ago
Quick walk from the cruise terminal. We took a circuitous route and it still only took about 20 minutes. Probably would’ve taken half that if we had walked straight there. The 12:10 daily Mass was in the old church, which was great because it pulled everyone together and made it feel pretty full. They would’ve been lost in the big church. The big church was also open for visitors.
- Lisa Thayne4 years ago
We loved coming to mass here. We were staying at Atlantis, and though another Catholic Church was closer, we wanted to be able to walk to lunch after, so chose St. Francis Xavier. It was about 15 minutes away- about $20 cab ride. Social distancing and masks are in effect but there was plenty of room to spread out. The prayers were all sung, which was beautiful. The choir sat in the section when you walk in to the left. They sounded amazing and it really was so nice. Parishioners had missals/hymnals they seemed to bring with them so that is the one area we felt we couldn't participate in - the hymns- but it was nice to just stand and listen. I'm not going to lie- we totally messed up the line when we went up to receive communion, but no one glared at us. :) After mass there are things to do nearby (art gallery, chocolate tour or winery on Greycliff, or walk down the hill to Bay Street and the water. Easy to find a cab back from either of those places.
- Mariah Byrnes2 years ago
I was in the area just for the day as a part of a cruise ship port stop and wanted to see if I could stop by a Catholic Church and pray. I walked by this parish and was immediately welcomed by a parishioner and given a tour of the grounds. I'm so thankful for the Universal Church!
- Mia Mirka6 years ago
Lovely church and very friendly people. We went to 8:30AM mass and the church was full. They seem like one big family. Very welcoming and friendly to visitors. A little different experience for a Roman catholic church that I'm used to - with a bahamian twist on it :) ..We were glad we took the time on Sunday to pray at this church.
- Ghassan A7 years ago
Wow, what a lovely community and church. The priests, altar servers, incredible choir and organist, men's association and ushers made us feel truly at home. This community felt so special, the Mass was solemn and holy, while being filled with the joy and peace of Christ. They had a special birthday blessing for all those celebrating. They had refreshments to celebrate the priest's recovery from hospital with traditional Bahamian band. We're very thankful to God for the lovely people and this beautiful church and their hospitality (special thanks to Brian from St. Francis Xavier's Men's Association). Tip to travelers/visitors: we were wearing casual clothes from the resort and felt a little underdressed. We didn't feel out of place but just in case you brought your Sunday best, wear it!
- Elizabeth Stroka3 years ago
We attended Easter morning Mass during our vacation, and it was a beautiful experience! The choir did an amazing job, and it was so wonderful seeing a packed church full of both locals and tourists. The church itself is beautiful too. Would definitely recommend attending Mass here!
- Theola Hepburn7 months ago
I had a wonderful time with my family at the annual fair and raffle. Would have loved to win the cars. Will definitely be back next year.
- Native Stew5 years ago
This is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas from 1885. Beautiful and historic. Visitors welcomed.
- Paul F2 months ago
Wonderful mass
- Mackenzie Johnson6 years ago
This church is beautiful and has a rich history here in Nassau.
Services and facilities
Services
- Stations Of The Cross (Fridays During Lent)
- Sacrament Of Reconciliation (Confession)
- Exposition Of The Blessed Sacrament (Tuesdays And Thursdays)
- Men'S Association
Facilities
- Sanctuary
- Choir Section
- Liturgical Area
- Grounds
Events and programs
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Bazaar, Fair, and Raffle
Annual
Annual bazaar, fair, and raffle with various activities, refreshments, and raffle prizes.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Bingo 2024
Annual
Bingo night with prizes and community fun.
Connect
- Contact page
- Open contact page