| St.Francis Xavier |  |
Nobleman from the Basque reqion.
Studied and taught philosophy at the University of Paris, and planned
a career as a professor.
Friend of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
who convinced him to use his talents to spread the Gospel. One of the founding
Jesuits, and the first Jesuit missionary.
Priest.
In Goa, while waiting to take ship, India, he preached in the street,
worked with the sick, and
taught children their catechism. He would walk through the streets
ringing a bell to call the children to their studies. Said to have converted
the entire city.
Tremendously successful missionary for ten years in India, the East
Indies, and Japan, baptizing
more than 40,000.
He tolerated the most appalling conditions on long sea voyages, enduring
extremes of heat and
cold. Wherever he went he would seek out and help the poor and forgotten.
He traveled
thousands of miles, most on his bare feet, and he saw the greater part
of the Far East.
Had the gift of tongues.
Miracle worker. Raised people from the dead. Calmed storms. Prophet.
Healer.
Died on 2 December 1552 on Sancian Island, off the coast of mainland
China of a fever
contracted on a mission journey
Canonized in 1622 together with St Ignatius
of Loyola.
See also
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| [Song to St Francis Xavier] |