CM Mamata Banerjee Renames Kolkata’s Short Street to ‘St Francis Xavier Sarani’

Kolkata, December 23, 2024: In a move to honour the legacy of 16th-century missionary St Francis Xavier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the renaming of the historic British-era ‘Short Street’ to ‘St Francis Xavier Sarani.’ The announcement was made during a pre-Christmas celebration at St Xavier’s College in Kolkata on December 19. Banerjee expressed that the renaming was a tribute to St Francis Xavier’s significant contributions to spreading Christianity, particularly in India. She also directed the Kolkata Mayor, Firhad Hakim, to ensure the new signboards are installed immediately.

Short Street, which runs parallel to Park Street and connects Rawdon Street with Camac Street, is located near St Xavier’s Collegiate School. The street’s new name is intended to honor the missionary, who was instrumental in establishing Jesuit educational institutions across India. St Francis Xavier is especially renowned for his mission work in Goa, where he arrived in 1542, and for founding the first Jesuit school there, St Paul’s College, in 1543. Banerjee’s announcement reflects the ongoing trend of renaming British-era streets in Kolkata, aligning with the city’s efforts to pay homage to influential figures in India’s history.

By Catholic Connect Reporter