The Saints: St. Francis Xavier

1506 - 1552
Feast –  Dec. 3

Francis is among the first Jesuits. He met Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, in Paris in 1528. At age 35, Francis began an 11-year journey which would take him to India, Ceylon, Malacca and Japan. He offered sacraments to prisoners, lepers, slaves and children and set his religious instruction to popular music so the lessons were easily understood and passed along. He was known for his spiritual and physical endurance and for having a tender heart for the oppressed and poor. He is patron of missionaries.