The church is dedicated to St Francis Xavier and is one of the rectorates within the Roman Catholic parish of St Nicholas, and is recognised by its two pointed towers. Since 1654 there has been a Jesuit church at this location. The original clandestine church was replaced by another one in 1677. The current Neo-Gothic church was built on the same space in 1881. Space limitations urged architect Alfred Tepe to design an unusually tall church with a monumental front. The interior was provided by members of the Guild of St. Bernulphus, most notable the Mengelberg firm. Most of interior has survived.
Services there are in a variety of styles.[1]
Ignatius House
Next to the church is Ignatius House (Dutch, "Ignatiushuis"). It is a spirituality and cultural centre also of the Society of Jesus.[2][3] It was founded in 1985 as a non-residential spirituality centre with Paul Begheyn as director. It moved to its present location in 2000. It is dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola the founder of the Jesuits. It primarily runs courses and retreats on Ignatian spirituality for Dutch speakers.[4] Although, it has Jesuits on the staff, it is run by a team of lay people, members of other Catholic religious orders and other Christian denominations.[5] The building consists of three large rooms, the Great Hall that can fit 50 people in theatre-style seating, an upper room for meetings, lectures, courses and workshops and a meditation room for reflective activities.[6]
