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Prayer of Saint Francis Xavier
Not with hope of gaining anything,
Not seeking a reward,
But as you have loved me,
O ever loving Lord.
You, O my Jesus, did embrace
My sinful soul upon the Tree,
For me endured the pain, disgrace,
The nails, the spear, the mockery.
And griefs and torments numberless,
The sweat of agony,
Even death itself; and all for one
Who was your enemy.
Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love you well,
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell.
Not for hope of earth's award
Your praises I will sing,
But solely that you are my God
And my eternal King.
In January
of 1861, Kansas was admitted as a free state, the 34th state
in the Union. Six months later, a Catholic Church was
organized by Father Louis du Mortier. Just five years later
the Union Railroad reached Junction City, and the Catholic
congregation grew. The community donated cash and pledges,
and Mass was said in a new church on August 11, 1867.
Over the
following 4 decades, the community of Junction City came to
know several pastors. As they watched the community continue
to grow, these men envisioned a much larger church. The
first project was a large, natural stone rectory built on
lots purchased at the corner of Third and Washington, where
the rectory and church stand today.
In 1905,
Father John O'Brien was assigned as pastor for St. Xavier
Parish. He began discussions of the next project, a larger
church. That fall, a cornerstone was laid, and on May 9th of
1906, a dedication was held. Father O'Brien's work was far
from finished. He soon welcomed the Knights of Columbus
Council 1029 to Junction City, and in 1920 he opened St.
Xavier's school.
Today St.
Xavier's serves as a place of worship and education,
community and fellowship, supporting our calling by God to
share in the mission of Jesus. |
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