St. Francis Xavier
Jesuit Priest and Patron of the Missions
Feast Day: December 3
Biography
St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552) was born on April 7, 1506, at the castle of Javier in the Kingdom of Navarre, in present-day Spain. In 1525 he went to study at the University of Paris, where he shared lodgings with Peter Faber and met Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius slowly won him over, and on August 15, 1534, the three were among the seven companions who took vows at Montmartre, forming the core of what became the Society of Jesus. Francis was ordained a priest in Venice in 1537. In 1541, at the request of King John III of Portugal, he sailed for the East as papal legate and arrived in Goa, India, in May 1542. He worked among the poor and sick, taught the catechism to children, and spent years among the Paravas, the pearl fishers of India's southern coast. He then carried the Gospel to Malacca and the Moluccas, and in 1549 he reached Japan, where he labored for two years and founded Christian communities. Hoping to open China to the faith, he fell ill on Shangchuan Island, off the Chinese coast, and died there on December 3, 1552. His body rests in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. Pope Gregory XV canonized him together with St. Ignatius in 1622, and Pope Pius XI named him, with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, patron of the missions in 1927.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Francis Xavier, you left everything to carry the name of Jesus to the ends of the earth. Pray for all missionaries and for the people they serve. Enkindle in my heart your zeal for souls, and help me to share the Gospel with joy wherever God places me, whether near to home or in distant lands. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Francis Xavier, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Francis Xavier, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.