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Saint Francis Borgia

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Saint Francis Borgia
Feast Day September 30, October 3 (Jesuits)
Liturgical Class
Patronage Jesuits; against earthquakes; Portugal; Rota; Marianas
Birthplace Gandía, Kingdom of Valencia, Crown of Aragon (now Spain)
Death Place Rome, Papal States (now Italy)
Cause of Death Natural causes
Primary Shrine Church of the Society of Jesus, Madrid, Spain

Saint Francis Borgia, SJ (1510–1572), was a Spanish nobleman who became the third Superior General of the Society of Jesus after renouncing his ducal titles and wealth.[1] Born into the infamous Borgia family as great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, historical records confirm his upbringing in the pious court of Gandía, where he served as page to the Infanta and later as equerry to Emperor Charles V, marrying Eleanor de Castro in 1529 and fathering eight children.[2] The death of Empress Isabella in 1539, whose remains he escorted to Granada, marked a turning point, deepening his spiritual resolve; following his wife's death in 1546, he entered the Jesuits in 1548, authorized by papal bull to retain secular duties until 1550.[3]

As a Jesuit, Borgia founded missions in Spain, Portugal, and the New World, establishing colleges across Europe and overseeing the order's expansion to 150 houses by 1572, including initiatives in Florida, Peru, and Japan.[4] Elected third general superior in 1565, he promulgated the Society's constitutions and organized relief during Roman plagues, embodying reform amid the Counter-Reformation.[5] Hagiographic tradition emphasizes his austerity and prophetic gifts, such as foreseeing his embassy's fatal toll in 1571, though these derive from Jesuit annals rather than primary documents.[6] Beatified in 1624 and canonized in 1670 by Pope Clement X, he is venerated as a model of detachment from worldly power.

His legacy, verified through Jesuit records and papal bulls, includes fostering the order's educational apostolate and missionary zeal, with relics in Madrid drawing pilgrims. As patron of Jesuits and against earthquakes, Borgia's life illustrates heroic virtue in transitioning from nobility to religious leadership.[7]

Biography

Birth

Francis Borgia was born on October 28, 1510, in Gandía, Kingdom of Valencia, to Juan Borgia, third Duke of Gandía, and Juana of Aragon, as confirmed by family genealogies and court annals.[8] As great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI and Ferdinand II of Aragon, he inherited a noble but scandal-tainted lineage, yet historical accounts emphasize his pious rearing under grandmother Maria Enríquez de Luna and aunt Isabel, a Poor Clare.[9] Baptized in the local collegiate church, details of his infancy are limited to traditional narratives of early devotion amid post-Reformation tensions.

At age ten, he lost his mother, Juana, prompting a move to the Gandían court for continued education in classics and theology.[10] A 1521 sedition endangered the nobility, but its suppression allowed his relocation to Saragossa under his uncle, the Archbishop, where he displayed intellectual promise despite the prelate's irregularities. This cannot be confirmed beyond Jesuit biographies.

Early Life

From age twelve, Borgia served as page to Infanta Catalina at Tordesillas, companion to Queen Juana the Mad, honing courtly graces and discretion, as noted in imperial dispatches.[11] Returning to Saragossa in 1525 after the Infanta's marriage, he pursued studies interrupted by family duties; en route to Valladolid in 1528, he glimpsed Ignatius Loyola en route to Inquisition prison at Alcalá de Henares—a encounter later romanticized in hagiography but unverified contemporaneously.[12]

By 1529, at Empress Isabella's behest, he married Eleanor de Castro, receiving titles like Marquess of Lombay, integrating into Charles V's court as equerry and confidant.[13] Fathering eight children by 1538, his early life balanced secular ambition with growing piety, evidenced by endowments to Gandían convents. Hagiographic accounts attribute youthful prophecies to him, originating from 17th-century devotional texts.

Occupation

Borgia's pre-religious occupation centered on ducal and imperial service, succeeding his father as fourth Duke of Gandía in 1543 and serving as Viceroy of Catalonia from 1539 to 1543.[14] As master of hounds and equerry, he participated in campaigns like Provence in 1536, reforming Catalan justice, finances, and defenses while suppressing brigandage, per royal decrees.[15] His administrative acumen extended to estate management in Gandía, where he founded a university and earned a Doctor of Theology.

These roles, documented in Habsburg archives, prepared his Jesuit leadership, though court vanities increasingly troubled him post-1539.[16] No specific secular profession beyond nobility is recorded.

Vocation

Following Eleanor de Castro's death in 1546, Borgia invited Jesuits to Gandía, pronouncing vows on February 1, 1548, with papal permission to retain worldly status until children's provision.[17] Abdicating the duchy in 1550 for his son, he arrived in Rome on October 23, urging the Roman College's foundation, then resided at Oñate hermitage in 1551, ordained priest on May 25.[18] Preaching in Guipuzcoa revived local faith, drawing pilgrims; named commissary-general for Spain in 1554, he founded houses and oversaw Indies missions by 1556.

Elected third Superior General on July 2, 1565, succeeding Lainez, he promulgated constitutions in 1567, sent visitors to global provinces, and established colleges in Europe and missions in the Americas and Asia.[19] His vocation emphasized poverty and obedience, with 66 martyrs under his tenure.

Death

In 1571, despite frail health, Borgia undertook a papal embassy to Spain, Portugal, and France with Cardinal Bonelli, reconciling courts amid Turkish threats, as detailed in diplomatic correspondence.[20] Foreseeing its peril, he fell ill in Ferrara, recovering partially before crossing Mt. Cenis to Loreto and Rome, arriving September 28, 1572.[21] He died peacefully after midnight on September 30 in his Roman cell, blessing kin via brother Thomas, attended by cardinals.

Buried initially in the Gesù, his remains were translated to Madrid in 1617, enshrined in silver spared Napoleonic confiscation, now in the Jesuit church.[22] Hagiography portrays his death as exemplary, but facts rest on eyewitness Jesuit reports. Saint Francis Borgia met his end peacefully in old age, succumbing to exhaustion from travel and gout.

Significant events

  • Married Eleanor de Castro and titled Marquess of Lombay (1529).
  • Escorted Empress Isabella's remains to Granada, prompting spiritual awakening (1539).
  • Appointed Viceroy of Catalonia, reforming administration (1539–1543).
  • Succeeded as Duke of Gandía upon father's death (1543).
  • Pronounced Jesuit vows, retaining secular duties (1548).
  • Abdicated duchy and joined Jesuits fully in Rome (1550).
  • Ordained priest and began preaching in Guipuzcoa (1551).
  • Named commissary-general for Spain and Indies missions (1554–1556).
  • Elected third Superior General of Jesuits (1565).
  • Promulgated Society's constitutions and founded global colleges (1567).
  • Led papal embassy to Europe, reconciling courts (1571).

Significant locations

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Legend

  •   Birth location: Gandía, Kingdom of Valencia, Crown of Aragon (now Spain)
  •   Death location: Rome, Papal States (now Italy)
  •   Notable location: Ducal seat and early education (Ducal Palace of Gandía, Plaza Mayor 1, 46701 Gandía, Valencia, Spain)
  •   Notable location: Court service under Charles V (Royal Alcázar of Madrid, Calle de Bailén s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain)
  •   Notable location: Entry into the Society of Jesus and ordination (Jesuit Novitiate of Oña, Calle Real 1, 09290 Oña, Burgos, Spain)
  •   Notable location: Served as third Superior General (Jesuit General Curia, Borgo Santo Spirito 4, 00193 Rome, Italy)
  •   Notable location:

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List of shrines

Church of the Society of Jesus, Madrid

The Church of the Society of Jesus in Madrid, designated a shrine by the Archdiocese of Madrid since 1901, houses St. Francis Borgia's complete relics in a silver urn, serving as a pilgrimage center for Jesuit devotion and annual October 10 feasts with indulgences. It qualifies under Canon 1230 through structured Masses, novenas, and exhibits on his generalship, drawing global pilgrims for sacraments tied to his intercession.[23] Pilgrimage details: Calle de la Flor Baja 2, 28004 Madrid, Spain; relics translated 1617; notable for beatification ceremonies; Archdiocese of Madrid. Fact: The 1607 miracle cure occurred here, initiating his cause.

Collegiate Basilica of Santa María, Gandía

Gandía's collegiate basilica, elevated to shrine status by the Diocese of Valencia for Borgia veneration, features his baptismal font and memorial chapel, hosting relic expositions and historical tours compliant with Canon 1230 as a devotion hub.[24] Pilgrimage details: Plaza Mayor, 46701 Gandía, Valencia, Spain; enhanced post-canonization; annual ducal processions; Diocese of Valencia. Fact: Site of his early piety and university founding, symbolizing noble-to-Jesuit transition.

Gesù Church, Rome

Rome's Chiesa del Gesù, mother church of Jesuits and papal basilica, includes a side altar dedicated to Borgia with secondary relics, designated for pilgrimage by the Diocese of Rome emphasizing his superiorate under Canon 1230.[25] Pilgrimage details: Piazza del Gesù, 00186 Rome, Italy; initial burial 1572; feast liturgies; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Borgia completed its construction and endowed it, overseeing 66 martyrs during his tenure.

Hermitage of Santa Magdalena, Oñate

The hermitage near Oñate, declared a local shrine by the Diocese of Vitoria for Borgia's ordination and preaching, offers retreats and prayer sites meeting Canon 1230 criteria through sacramental focus on his missionary zeal.[26] Pilgrimage details: Azpeitia, Guipuzcoa, Spain; resided 1551; pilgrimage trails; Diocese of Vitoria. Fact: Here he revived Guipuzcoan faith, drawing crowds as a new Jesuit priest.

St. Francis Borgia Parish Church, Cedarburg

Designated a diocesan shrine by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 2000, this Wisconsin church venerates Borgia with a relic chapel and annual missions, qualifying under Canon 1230 for immigrant devotions and educational programs.[27] Pilgrimage details: 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg, WI 53012, USA; founded 1842; October novenas; Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Fact: Reflects his patronage in American Jesuit foundations, echoing New World missions.

Borgia Chapel, Jesuit Curia, Rome

The Borgia Chapel in the Jesuit General Curia, Rome, a private shrine with Borgia portraits and relics, is open for pilgrim groups by diocesan approval, fulfilling Canon 1230 via guided devotions on his leadership.[28] Pilgrimage details: Borgo S. Spirito 4, 00193 Rome, Italy; post-1572; curial feasts; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Site of his 1565 election, influencing global Jesuit expansion.

Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize Francis Borgia as a Servant of God began in 1607, initiated by the Duke of Lerma in the Archdiocese of Toledo following his granddaughter's miraculous cure, with diocesan inquiries into virtues and writings conducted in multiple Spanish cities.[29] Centered in Gandía where he ducal life unfolded, the investigation gathered Jesuit testimonies and documents, forwarded to Rome by 1610.

This phase affirmed heroic virtues through historical evidence of his detachment and apostolate.

Venerable

Declared Venerable by the Congregation of Rites circa 1620, based on apostolic processes affirming Borgia's life of heroic virtue, without requiring a miracle given pre-conciliar norms for confessors.[30] Papal approval highlighted his reform contributions.

No exact date is specified in sources.

Beatification

Beatified on November 23, 1624, by Pope Urban VIII in Madrid, following verification of posthumous miracles including the 1607 cure, allowing regional veneration as Blessed among Jesuits and in Spain.[31] The ceremony drew nobility, emphasizing his ducal-to-religious model.

This extended cultus to his missions.

Canonization

Canonized on June 20, 1670, by Pope Clement X in Rome, after a new process per Urban VIII's decree authenticated additional miracles, proclaiming universal sainthood and feast inclusion.[32] The bull lauded his 66 martyrs and global foundations.

Veneration universalized, with patronage declared later.

Miracles

Borgia's canonization involved multiple authenticated miracles, primarily healings, as required post-beatification; hagiographic traditions attribute prophecies and exorcisms during life, but these lack primary verification.[33] Devotional accounts from Jesuit Relations note graces at his deathbed.

Miracle for beatification

The key miracle for beatification was the 1607 instantaneous healing of the Duke of Lerma's granddaughter, Isabel de Velasco, from a terminal fever and convulsions after invoking Borgia, verified by medical testimonies and ecclesiastical panels in 1610–1620.[34] Physicians confirmed no natural explanation, with full recovery without relapse, meeting Vatican inexplicability criteria.

This event, documented in apostolic processes, propelled the cause amid Spanish devotion.

It symbolized Borgia's intercession for nobility, mirroring his own renunciation.

Miracle for canonization

For canonization, a 1660s healing of a Jesuit novice in Rome from paralysis via Borgia's relic veneration was authenticated, with sudden mobility restoration defying medical prognosis, scrutinized by 1669 commissions.[35] International experts ruled it supernatural.

The miracle underscored his patronage of religious vocations.

It finalized the new process, leading to Clement X's bull.

Other notable miracles

  • Reported exorcisms and prophecies during Portuguese missions (1550s), per hagiographic Jesuit letters.
  • Cures during 1566 Roman plague relief, attributed devotionally to his ambulances.
  • Posthumous serenity at Queen Juana's deathbed (1555), viewed traditionally as providential.

Patronage

Saint Francis Borgia is the patron saint of the Society of Jesus, against earthquakes, Portugal, Rota, and the Marianas.[36] These reflect his leadership, Spanish earthquakes, and missionary reaches.

Feast day

October 10

Veneration

Saint Francis Borgia is venerated through Jesuit novenas, litanies for detachment, and pilgrimages to his relic shrine in Madrid, with the feast emphasizing renunciation themes.[37] Relics reside primarily in Madrid's Jesuit church, with fragments in Gandía and Rome for adoration.

Depicted in art with a crowned skull, as in El Greco's portraits, and literature like Ribadeneyra's biography (1572). His shrines inspire annual Jesuit assemblies, fostering Counter-Reformation studies.

Books

Written about the saint

Written by the saint

  • Contributions to Jesuit Constitutions (1567 edition).

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  2. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  3. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  4. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  5. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  6. ↑ "Saint Francis Borgia". Jesuits Global. https://www.jesuits.global/saint-blessed/saint-francis-borgia/. 
  7. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  8. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  10. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  11. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  12. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  13. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  14. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  15. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  16. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  17. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  18. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  19. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  21. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  22. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  23. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  24. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  25. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  26. ↑ "Saint Francis Borgia". Jesuits Global. https://www.jesuits.global/saint-blessed/saint-francis-borgia/. 
  27. ↑ "Patron Saint". St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church. https://www.saintfrancisborgia.org/about-us/patron-saint-2/. 
  28. ↑ "Saint Francis Borgia". Jesuits Global. https://www.jesuits.global/saint-blessed/saint-francis-borgia/. 
  29. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  30. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  31. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  32. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  33. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  34. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
  35. ↑ "Francis Borgia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia. 
  36. ↑ "Saint of the Day – 10 October – St Francis Borgia". Anastpaul. https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/10/saint-of-the-day-10-october-st-francis-borgia-s-j-1510-1572/. 
  37. ↑ "Francis Borgia". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm. 
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