St. Francis Xavier Church
St. Francis Xavier Church stands on South Street in Hyannis, its white clapboard exterior, columned entrance and restrained design reflecting the traditions of many New England churches. Although it has long served the surrounding Catholic community, it also became closely associated with the Kennedy family during their summers at Hyannis Port.
President John F. Kennedy attended Mass here when staying on Cape Cod and traditionally sat in the second pew of the church’s west wing. His mother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, was a devout Catholic who also worshiped regularly at the parish. Over time, the church became the setting for important Kennedy family services, celebrations and periods of mourning.
The Kennedys’ connection to the church was rooted in more than public appearances. Their Catholic faith shaped family traditions and influenced their understanding of service, responsibility and community. St. Francis Xavier provided a familiar place of worship away from the political activity and public attention surrounding the family.
Today, St. Francis Xavier is included on the Kennedy Legacy Trail and is sometimes called the “Kennedy Church.” Its continuing role as an active parish preserves both its religious purpose and its place in the history of a family whose private life on Cape Cod became closely connected with its national legacy.
Read More From Nancy
Veterans Park Beach and Lewis Bay
Veterans Park Beach lies beside the John F. Kennedy Memorial and overlooks Lewis Bay, the waters where Kennedy spent many summers sailing with family and friends. Sailing was an important part of Kennedy family life on Cape Cod and remained one of John F. Kennedy’s favorite activities from childhood through his presidency. Kennedy often sailed […]
Hyannis Armory
The Hyannis Armory was built in 1958 for the Massachusetts Army National Guard and originally housed Battery D of the 685th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion. Only two years after its completion, the modest military building became the setting for an important moment in American presidential history. During the 1960 presidential election, John F. Kennedy and his […]
John F. Kennedy Museum
I grew up in a family that greatly admired the Kennedys. My mother kept a bust of President John F. Kennedy on our mantel, and there was little we did not know about the family and its many branches. Over the years, I visited numerous places associated with the Kennedys, so traveling to Hyannis and […]
