Saint Francis Xavier (1506–52,) born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta, was a Spanish missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus, known for his evangelization efforts in Asia. He helped spread Christianity in India, Japan, and the Malay Archipelago.
Born in Navarre, Spain, Xavier studied at the University of Paris, where he met Ignatius of Loyola. In 1534, he took vows of poverty and chastity, becoming one of the first Jesuits. In 1541, he traveled to the Portuguese East Indies, arriving in Goa, India, where he worked to convert locals and reform Christian communities.
His missionary work extended to Japan (1549,) where he introduced Christianity despite cultural and linguistic barriers. He later planned to evangelize China but died on Shangchuan Island in 1552 before reaching the mainland. Canonized in 1622, he remains one of the most influential Catholic missionaries, revered as the patron saint of missions.
His writings include Letters of St. Francis Xavier, documenting his missionary experiences and theological reflections. His life and works are examined in M. T. Kelly’s A Life of Saint Francis Xavier (1918) and Robert L. Bireley’s St. Francis Xavier (2025,) exploring his influence on Catholic missions.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Francis Xavier
Give me the children until they are seven and anyone may have them afterwards.
—Francis Xavier
Topics: Children
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