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Saint16th century · Feast December 3

St Francis Xavier

Also known as Francisco Javier, Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta, Saint Francis Xavier

Priest
Jesuit missionary
Apostle of the Indies

A founding Jesuit who travelled across Asia as a missionary, adapting to unfamiliar cultures while longing to continue into China.

A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.

The story of their life

A founding Jesuit who travelled across Asia as a missionary, adapting to unfamiliar cultures while longing to continue into China. His work unfolded within Portuguese imperial expansion, so missionary sacrifice and cultural encounter must be distinguished from colonial power.

Historical context

His work unfolded within Portuguese imperial expansion, so missionary sacrifice and cultural encounter must be distinguished from colonial power.

Defining moments

  • Meeting Ignatius in Paris
  • Taking vows with the first Jesuits
  • Sailing to India
  • Serving across Asia
  • Entering Japan
  • Dying while seeking entry to China

Faith and spirituality

Missionary availability, adaptability, friendship and cross-cultural service.

Why this saint matters today

A strong companion for missionaries, expatriates, travellers and people beginning again in an unfamiliar culture.

Patronage and intercession

People turn to St Francis Xavier in matters of:

Catholic missions
Missionaries
Travellers

A prayer

God of grace, through the intercession of St Francis Xavier, guide us in truth, courage and love. Amen.

Timeline

    Sources and further reading

    • https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
    • https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
    • https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/12/03/st--francis--saverio--jesuit---apostle-of-the-indies--patron-of-.html

    Source-quality status: unverified prototype