St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier, born on April 7, 1506, in the Castle of Xavier, Navarre, Spain, was one of the first seven Jesuits and became renowned for his missionary work in Asia. Educated at the University of Paris, he met Ignatius of Loyola, which led to his conversion and ordination in 1537. His missionary journey took him to India, Malacca, the Moluccas, Japan, and he attempted to enter China, where he died on December 3, 1552, from a fever. His life was marked by numerous conversions and miracles, leading to his canonization in 1622 as the patron saint of missionaries and navigators.
Biography
Birth
St. Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506, in the Castle of Xavier, Navarre, Spain.
Early Life
Born into a noble family, Francis was the youngest of five sons. His early education was at the University of Paris where he studied philosophy and theology.
Occupation
Before his religious vocation, Francis was a teacher of philosophy at the University of Paris.
Vocation
In 1534, he met St. Ignatius of Loyola, which led to his conversion and commitment to a religious life. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), founded by Ignatius. Francis was ordained in 1537.
Death
St. Francis Xavier died on December 3, 1552, on Shangchuan Island, off the coast of China, from a fever.
Parishes
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Significant events
Became one of the first seven Jesuits. Sent by Ignatius to do missionary work in Asia, arriving in Goa, India, in 1542. Evangelized in various regions including Malacca, the Moluccas, and Japan, where he introduced Christianity. Attempted to enter China but died before he could do so extensively.
Death
St. Francis Xavier died while trying to enter mainland China. He contracted a fever and passed away in isolation, but his body was found incorrupt upon exhumation.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Francis Xavier as a Servant of God began shortly after his death, with local veneration.
Venerable
Declared Venerable by the Catholic Church for his life of heroic virtue.
Beatification
Beatified on October 25, 1619, by Pope Paul V after the confirmation of miracles attributed to his intercession. For beatification, one miracle attributed to his intercession was authenticated.
Canonization
Canonized on March 12, 1622, by Pope Gregory XV alongside Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Ávila, and others. A second miracle, verified after beatification, was required for canonization.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
One of the miracles was the healing of a woman in Goa who was near death.
Miracle for canonization
Another miracle involved the healing of a man in the Philippines, who was cured of a severe illness.
Other notable miracles
Numerous accounts of healings and conversions attributed to his intercession.
Patronage
St. Francis Xavier is the patron saint of missionaries, navigators, Goa, India, and several other places like the Archdiocese of Tokyo, Japan.
Feast day
The feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated on December 3.
Veneration
St. Francis Xavier is venerated especially in regions where he evangelized, with numerous churches and schools named after him. His relics are venerated in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, India, where part of his body is preserved.
Cultural impact
St. Francis Xavier is depicted in numerous artworks, often showing him in missionary attire, baptizing or preaching. His life has inspired literature, including books like "The Life and Missionary Labors of St. Francis Xavier." He has had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity in Asia, influencing cultural exchanges and conversions.
External links
St. Francis Xavier on Catholicsaints.info St. Francis Xavier on Catholic-Hierarchy.org St. Francis Xavier on Catholic.org