In Memoriam Mr. Francis Xavier

In Memoriam Mr. Francis Xavier – Devoted Old Xaverian and a Legacy of Commitment and Service

Treasurer 1947 -Secretary 1954-1955 -St Xavier’s OBA

Mr. Francis Xavier epitomized what it means to be an Ardent Old Xaverian. Born on June 9th, 1916, he led a life deeply intertwined with his alma mater, St. Xavier’s College, and dedicated himself to public service.

At a tender age of nine he attended St Xavier’s College that was under the able guidance of the Rector,  Rev.Fr.Alexander Siriwardene. The Ceylon Times, on December 19, 1933, reported an important event at St. Xavier’s School in Nuwara Eliya -the annual prize giving.  Mr. R.M. Davis, Assistant Government Agent, presided over the school’s prize-giving ceremony at the invitation of the Principal, Mr. K. P. Joseph. In his address, Mr. Davis urged the boys to “read more modern books and gain a wider outlook.” Among the many students honoured that day was Francis Xavier, a 16-year-old Form VII student, who won three major prizes: Mathematics (presented by Rev. Bro. Luke, Director of St. Benedict’s College), History (presented by Miss Nellie Garyvin), and Rural Science (presented by R. Sivagnanam Esq.). Apart from studies, he has excelled in football and had been a member of the 1^st Kings Scout Troup of St Xavier’s College.

After earning his educational qualifications, he embarked on a distinguished career with the Ceylon Postal Service, serving diligently in various post offices, including Nuwara Eliya, Kotagala, Nawalapitiya, and finally, as the Senior Post Master in Ja Ela.

A cornerstone of his life was his active involvement with the St. Xavier’s College Old Boys’ Association (OBA), established in 1947. In its inaugural year, he took on the role of Treasurer and later served as General Secretary from 1954 to 1955. His contributions, alongside those of fellow dedicated Old Xaverians like Messrs.P.A.P. Abeywickrama, Thomas Bastian, H.Hameed, D. Amos, J.C. Cooke, B.D. Morseth, C.M.S. Lawrence, Arthur de Silva, P.E.A. Perera, M.M.C.G. Ockers, and S.M. Nallasivam, were instrumental in supporting and enhancing the College.

Their collective efforts led to significant projects including the construction of a two-storied building under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Mellitus Xavier. They organized successful fundraising events, including benefit shows, a carnival, and even engaged in hands-on labour, carrying bricks and sand to ensure the project’s completion.

His loyalty to the College is evident through his ongoing contributions to its welfare. In a letter dated July 12, 1955, Mr. Francis Xavier enclosed a money order for Rs. 50/- to support the benefit show organized by the Old Boys’ Association (OBA).

Mr. Francis Xavier’s untimely death on June 2nd, 1970, in Colombo, left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was  survived by his beloved wife, the late Mary Xavier, and their six children: daughters Rose Mary, Regina, Grace, Jasmine, and sons Reginald and the late Adrian. His family’s memories of him, passed down through stories and cherished moments, reflect the profound influence he had on their lives.

Although I have never met him personally, his legacy lives on through the stories shared by my mother who was his sister, his contemporaries and my brother Andrew Fernando. Friends like Messrs. William Sigamony Pillai, Robert Perera, Percy Jayaratne, Sylvester Anthony, Freddy Young, William Lamahewa, T.E. Sama, M.S. Vadivel, and Terrence Codippilli often reminisced about “Uncle Francis Xavier” with great admiration and fondness. Mr. Fred Young humorously remembered mistaking him for a ghost, while Mr. Sigamony recounted being offered a glass of brandy over the post office counter !.

My mother’s unwavering admiration for her brother instilled in me the belief that the education Mr. Xavier received at St. Xavier’s College shaped him into an exemplary son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. His 1954 article in the college magazine concluded with the words, “Our motto, Towards Truth and Charity, has been and ever will be a guiding principle towards happiness and prosperity.”

As we remember Mr. Francis Xavier today on his 54^th Death Anniversary, we celebrate the legacy of dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to his alma mater. The photograph capturing the inauguration of the OBA in 1947 stands as a timeless reminder of the collective efforts of passionate individuals.

It is pleasing to note that his grandsons, Dominic -educated at St Xavier’s College, Erick who is an A/L student at St Peter’s College, Colombo, Frank employed in New-Zealand and Jude employed in Kurunegala doing well in their pursuits.

May Mr. Francis Xavier rest in peace, knowing that his contributions and the values he embodied continue to inspire future generations.

Benjamin Jeganathan MA

Secretary SXCOBA