About Us
We welcome families, youth, seniors, and all who seek God’s presence. Here, you will find a space to grow in faith, nurture friendships, and experience the warmth of our parish family.
HISTORY LEGACY
EDUCATIONAL AND RESIDENTIAL MINISTRY
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
About Our Parish
The Yapral Parish, officially known as St. Francis Xavier’s Church, is a historic spiritual center established in 1842. Located in Yapral, Secunderabad, the church’s patron is St. Francis Xavier, and the Parish Celebration is held on the 2nd Sunday of December. The Parish is currently under the Pastoral Care of an Archdiocesan Priest and serves a community of 545 Catholics.
The Parish community recently celebrated the renewal of its main structure: a major Church renovation process began in 2015, and the renewed Church was blessed and inaugurated on November 29th, 2015, marking the celebration of the church’s 175 years. The Parish also maintains a sub-station, the Holy Trinity Chapel, Tulasi Garden.
Foundational History
The genesis of the Yapral Parish is tied to a significant missionary endeavor within the Vicariate of Hyderabad. This expansion was ignited by the arrival of Fr. Daniel Murphy in 1838. Fr. Murphy traveled to the region accompanying the Irish regiment of the British Army. His primary mission upon arrival was to provide for the spiritual needs of the Catholics serving within the regiment
Although Fr. Murphy originally intended to construct a Church within Hyderabad itself, circumstances required him to settle for Secunderabad. It was here, in 1842, that he proved instrumental in establishing the Church structure known as St. Francis Xavier Church, which was located in Bolarum (the area now referred to as Yapral). The success of Fr. Murphy’s missionary venture was not achieved alone; it thrived due to the active support provided by Fr. O’Brien, Fr. Drake, and Fr. Hampson. Fr. Murphy’s dedication was evidenced by his personal supervision of Churches in Hyderabad, Bolarum, and Trimulgherry.
The Evolution of Pastoral Care and the Retreat Centre
The initial location of the church, in the Cantonment area of Bolarum, was specifically chosen to address the spiritual requirements of the military personnel. Over the subsequent years, once Fr. Murphy had left Hyderabad, the records regarding the continuation of pastoral care are incomplete, leading historians to speculate that the early pastoral care continued, albeit at a reduced pace. The success, however, was sustained and increased by missionaries working in new territories
During this period of evolving needs, the Bolarum location transitioned from primarily being a site for active military ministry into a Retreat Centre or residence for missionaries. Initially, this property was managed by the Capuchin Priests, and later, its care was assumed by the Redemptorists. The Redemptorists served the longest duration, managing the Parish in two phases: the first spanning from 1957 to 1961, and the second from 1965 to 1982. The Retreat House became an important historical residence; for instance, Bishop Vismara stayed in the Retreat House almost until 1936 before relocating his residence to St. Mary’s Presbytery. The Retreat House was a place used by priests of the Diocese or by lay groups who came for retreats
Our Valerian
Education and Community Impact
Responding to the changing demographic conditions and the resulting need for a school for the local children, Fr. Joseph Vadakal pioneered the establishment of the Valerian Grammar High School.
1. The school was formally established by Fr. Vadakkal in 1961.
2. The Valerian Grammar High School provides education for students from Kindergarten up to Class X at Yapral.
3.A significant development in the school’s history occurred during the tenure of Fr. Thanugundla Solomon (Archdiocesan Priest, 1983 – 1986).
Residential Ministry
St. Francis Xavier’s Boarding Home
The Parish extended its social ministry through the creation of the St. Francis Xavier’s Boarding Home, a residential facility. The boarding home was inaugurated in 1961 by Fr. Martin Cushnan (CSSR). Initially, the facility consisted of only a few asbestos sheet rooms.
In 1982, the Parish Boarding Home and School faced a severe financial crisis. This situation was resolved through the intervention of the Archdiocese, specifically during the tenure of Fr. Mulaguri Dhanraju, the Procurator, who, with the assistance of Mr. Nicodemus (a retired Accountant), implemented a proper accounting system.
The Boarding Home itself was later built by Fr. Thumma Lourdu as Parish Priest, who named it as St. Francis Xavier’s Home. The facility currently houses 12 children. This boarding home has functioned as a residence for many children, often from far and wide, who sought their school education at Valerian Grammar High School. Fr. M. Dhanaraju blessed the boarding home. Fr. Golamari Louis later extended the Boarding Home during his tenure. Additionally, saplings were planted inside the campus, and distributed to people who possessed land by Fr. Golamari Louis
Our Archdiocesan Priests
Archdiocesan Priests
St. Francis Xavier Church
Our Parish Priest
Our Parish Priest faithfully leads our community with a spirit of humility, compassion, and dedication to the Gospel.
Rev. Fr. Gangarapu Balaswamy
Parish Priest
St. Francis Xavier Church
Message from Rev. Fr. Kennedy
Former Parish Priest, St. Francis Xavier’s Church
Rev. Fr.Mirapakayala Melchizedek Kennedy
Former Parish Priest, St. Francis Xavier’s Church
Dear Rev. Fr. Bala, my brother priests, religious, and the beloved faithful of St. Francis Xavier’s Church,
As you joyfully celebrate the Feast of your patron saint and your new parish website, my heart is filled with deep gratitude and affection for the blessed years I journeyed with you.
I consider it a privilege to have led this historic parish, entrusted to the powerful intercession of St. Francis Xavier. My tenure coincided with one of the most extraordinary chapters of our lifetime—the COVID-19 pandemic. When the church stood empty and silent, I experienced what St. Francis Xavier himself wrote of: those moments when a priest is outwardly alone, yet surrounded by the unseen strength of God’s presence. Those sacred hours stirred profound reflections on life, faith, and our very existence.
It was a time when fear and uncertainty touched every family, and our faith in the Risen Lord was tested. Yet through God’s grace and your cooperation, the parish emerged with renewed hope. I will always cherish the joy of welcoming people back into the church, guiding the faithful safely and prayerfully. Even in that difficult season, the parish grew in number and spirit—a true miracle through the intercession of our patron saint.
During my service among you, I was also blessed to witness many testimonies of healing, faith, and answered prayers. The heartfelt experiences shared by parishioners remain among the most treasured memories of my priestly ministry.
As you celebrate your patron’s feast and begin a new chapter with the launch of your parish website, I extend my heartfelt wishes and prayers. May this platform become a vibrant means of evangelization, fellowship, and spiritual growth for the entire community.
Invoking the blessings and intercession of St. Francis Xavier upon every family in the parish, I remain united with you in prayer.
– With warm regards and blessings,
Rev. Fr.Mirapakayala Melchizedek Kennedy
545
Catholic Community
650
Valerian School Students
1842
Year of establishment
3 Dec
Feast Day