CINCINNATI— Historic St. Xavier Church reopened this month after a six-month renovation and restoration of the church’s interior. The parish community raised $4.5 million to paint and plaster the church interior, restore the historic stained glass, and renovate the sacristy. The church will celebrate reopening its doors on December 3, with an open house and tours of the new space after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Catholics in greater Cincinnati have worshiped in St. Xavier Church for over 160 years. The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) were invited to take over what would become Xavier University and St. Xavier High School in 1840, and the parish has been under the direction of the Jesuits since 1845. The structure was built in 1861, gutted by a fire in early 1882, and subsequently rebuilt. Over the course of the 20th century, St. Xavier Church was replastered and painted several times. In each generation, the people of the parish community have financially supported the necessary maintenance, repair, and renovation of this sacred space dedicated to inward reflection and outward action.

“The incredible, overwhelming financial support of this project is a testament to the history of this iconic church,” said Fr. Paul Lickteig, SJ, Pastor of St. Xavier Church. “The beauty here is not just in the restoration of a historic building in downtown Cincinnati, but in the revelation of this vibrant faith community’s ongoing commitment to serve.”

The December 3 celebration coincides with the traditional feast day of St. Francis Xavier, the church’s namesake. Parishioners and curious visitors alike are invited to join the celebration and tours from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

St. Xavier Church, the Jesuit parish in downtown Cincinnati, welcomes and serves people from the tri-state area with the mission of proclaiming and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church does so by celebrating scripture and sacraments, fostering adult spiritual development, serving the poor, and promoting justice. Following the example of the Jesuit’s founder, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Xavier parishioners strive to be men and women living for others, working towards a world where faith, justice, peace, and love can flourish.