The church was founded and continues to be managed by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
The building was designed to emphasize the communal nature of worship, moving away from traditional gothic revival layouts common in older Malaysian churches.
The parish complex includes the Xavier Hall, which has served as a center for local community gatherings and educational events for decades.
It is one of the oldest established parishes in the Petaling Jaya municipality, reflecting the town's planned post-war development history.
The Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier in Petaling Jaya, consecrated in 1961, serves as a significant hub for the Jesuit community in Malaysia. The architecture features a distinctive tropical modernist design, characterized by an expansive, sloping roofline and open-air ventilation elements suited to the Malaysian climate. Originally established to serve the growing residential population of Petaling Jaya, the parish grounds include multiple buildings for community and catechetical activities. The interior retains its mid-century structural integrity, reflecting the liturgical evolution of the post-Second Vatican Council period. It remains a primary site for Jesuit-led ministries and community outreach programs within the Selangor state.
The front facade from the courtyard, which captures the unique angular roof geometry against the tropical foliage.
Check the parish bulletin online before visiting to avoid arriving during high-attendance private services or funeral masses.
Park within the designated parish grounds to avoid disrupting the local residential traffic on Jalan Gasing.
Visit the small garden areas surrounding the main church building for a quieter, reflective experience.
Do not visit during Sunday morning services unless attending for worship, as parking is extremely limited and access to the interior is restricted.
The church grounds are accessible daily, but the main sanctuary is often locked or restricted during non-service hours for security.
Modest attire is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Maintain silence within the sanctuary and refrain from photography during liturgical services.
