Lucio AlvaresRight from the marvelous Goan coastlines to the bustling roads of Japan, the legacy of St. Francis Xavier remains in the hearts of different nations, cultures and time. For people who like to travel, history lovers and thThis blog dives into the biography of St. Francis Xavier, his missionary endeavors in Asia, and the reasons behind the travel industry’s ongoing celebration of his legacy.e pious, the life of St. Francis Xavier has inspired millions of people around the world. St. Francis Xavier was a founding member of the Jesuits society, he left an unforgettable mark on the places he went, especially Goa, where he remains a Patron Saint.
Who Was St. Francis Xavier? A Glimpse into the Life of Goa’s Patron Saint
This blog dives into the biography of St. Francis Xavier, his missionary endeavors in Asia, and the reasons behind the travel industry’s ongoing celebration of his legacy.
The Early Life of St. Francis Xavier
Francisco de Jassu y Javier was born in 1506 to a noble family in Navarre, the northern region of Spain. St. Francis Xavier was the youngest of five siblings. Francis grew up in a castle surrounded by breathtaking views of the Pyrenees Mountains. His royal status and nobility greatly influenced his education. He was a very inspired and motivated young man who wanted to acquire great wealth and power.
When Francis went to study at the prestigious College de Sainte-Barbe, he eventually developed a strong friendship with Peter Faber. Ignatius Loyola was a senior student who Francis befriended. Ignatius Loyola was a former soldier who lived a very pious life and dedicated his life to religious service. The friendship was initially resisted by Francis due to Ignatius’s influence but as years went by they shared experiences which encouraged religious calling that changed his life forever.
Joining the Jesuits: A Turning Point
In 1534, St. Francis Xavier became one of the first members of the Jesuits society alongside 6 other men by taking vows of chastity, poverty, and the promise to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It was at this moment that Francis became a missionary under the spiritual guidance of Ignatius Loyola. Pope Paul lll officially recognized the Jesuit community in 1540 which led the group to change their paths and not go to the Holy Land. Quickly King John lll of Portugal requested the group for the setup of colonies in India.
Though reluctant to leave his close friend Loyola behind, Xavier accepted the mission, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey across the globe.
St. Francis’s Xavier’s Mission in India
In 1542 the young Jesuit arrived in Goa after facing a long voyage that took him over a year. On his arrival, he immediately started his work which was inspiring. He assisted the colonists in Goa which helped reform the moral and spiritual life in Goa. Learning the local customs and language he reached out to the local population.
Goa became the main point for Franci’s missionary work which thrives even to this day. Travelers from all over the world come to visit the silver casket where in body rests in the Basilica of Bom Jesus located in Old Goa. The Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier is a very important event in Goa that takes place once in every decade.
St. Francis Xavier’s Adventures Beyond India
Although was the starting point for his mission, his work stretched far beyond India’s borders. He went to work with the Paravas, a group of pearl fishermen, on the southeast coast. Xavier created a spiritual impact that is being felt in the area today by reviving their religion, baptizing new converts, and training local catechists.
His enthusiasm for proclaiming the word of God took him to other regions such as Malaysia, Moluccas, and Indonesia. Motivated by a goal to spread Christianity over all of Asia, he was always on the move to various places. Japan was one of his most ambitious missions.
St. Francis Xavier in Japan
In 1549 St.Francis arrived on Japanese soil. It was the first time that Christians were sent to Japan. In spite of having great difficulty Francis managed to convert a small number of the local Japanese people to Christianity. In his time in Japan, he realized how different Japan was as compared to India in terms of the political, religious, and cultural landscape.
Francis focused on converting the upper-class Japanese instead of preaching on the streets with the locals. His efforts were successful which resulted in many people converting. But Xavier never succeeded in meeting the Emperor and winning him around to his way of thinking.
The Unfulfilled Dream of China
The ultimate prize for missionaries was to introduce Christianity to China. Francis took it as a personal challenge. But unfortunately the bad weather and the hesitation from the locals. Sadly Xavier fell sick while waiting on the island of Sancian, just close to the coast of China. In 1552, on December 8th at the age of 46, Francis passed it.
Leaving his castle back in his hometown along with family and friends, Francis dedicated his life in spreading his faith but great devotion. Due to this legacy, he was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1622.
Why St. Francis Xavier’s Legacy Endures
St. Francis Xavier is more than just a historical figure to visitors visiting Goa. It’s a life of commitment and spiritual development. Every year on December 3rd, Goa celebrates the feast of St. Francis Xavier. Witnesses of this magnificent feast, which has become an integral part of Goa’s identity, travel from all around. Not simply a saint but also a legend, St. Francis Xavier is buried in the Basilica of Bom Jesus!
Conclusion: A Life Worth Traveling For
For the travel community, visiting the locations connected to St. Francis Xavier is an investigation of history, culture, and spirituality rather than only a religious pilgrimage. Travelers are encouraged to consider the strength of religion, the resiliency of the human spirit, and the eternal ties that unite many regions of the world by his legacy, especially in Goa.
The bones of this extraordinary man are interred at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, so if you are ever in Goa, please stop by. You may sense the deep influence of St. Francis Xavier, a person whose life crossed boundaries and continues to inspire people from all walks of life, by taking a stroll down the streets that bear witness to his legacy.
