December 3
Francis Xavier (1506–1552)
Priest and missionary
Francis Xavier met Ignatius of Loyola while studying in Paris and became one of the first companions of the Society of Jesus.
Biography
Sent as a missionary to Asia, he preached in India, the Moluccas, and Japan, traveling enormous distances under difficult conditions. He instructed children, cared for the sick, baptized, trained catechists, and adapted patiently to unfamiliar cultures. Burning with the desire that all people know Christ, he died on Shangchuan Island while waiting to enter mainland China. The Church honors him as patron of the missions.
Practical advice
Trusting in God’s grace, give your time first to the person who needs it most, doing everything for the love of God.
Example of
Missionary zealPrayerPriestly life