St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier was born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta in 1506 at Xavier Castle in Navarre. A Jesuit priest, co-founder of the Society of Jesus, and one of the greatest missionaries in Catholic history, he is patron of missions, missionaries, and many mission lands.

Francis studied at the University of Paris, where he met St. Ignatius of Loyola. At first he was ambitious and worldly, but Ignatius patiently challenged him with the words of Christ: “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Francis became one of the first companions of Ignatius, took vows at Montmartre in 1534, and was ordained a priest.

In 1541 he left Europe for the Portuguese missions in the East. He arrived in Goa and began preaching, catechizing, hearing confessions, instructing children, and reforming Christian communities. His missionary journeys took him along the Fishery Coast of India, to the pearl fishers, to the Malay world, and eventually to Japan. He learned enough of local languages to teach, relied on catechists and translators, and endured hunger, storms, opposition, and loneliness.

In Japan, Francis was struck by the seriousness and intelligence of the people. He adapted his approach, sought to present the faith with dignity, and longed to reach China, believing that the conversion of China would influence all Asia. He died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island, within sight of the Chinese coast, before entering the mainland.

Miracle traditions and extraordinary conversions became attached to his memory, and his body was found remarkably preserved after death. It was brought to Goa, where it remains a major object of pilgrimage in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Canonized in 1622 with Ignatius, Teresa of Ávila, Philip Neri, and Isidore the Farmer, Francis Xavier remains a model of apostolic urgency. He crossed seas because he believed souls needed Christ, baptism, teaching, confession, and the hope of eternal life.

His letters stirred Europe because they were full of urgency. He begged for men who would give up comfortable lives and come teach, baptize, and preach. The miracles attributed to him include healings, protection at sea, and extraordinary missionary favors, but the greatest visible fruit was the number of communities that first received sustained Catholic instruction through his labor.