St Francis Xavier

Word for the day

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”” Mark 16:15

Life

Francis Xavier was born in 1506 at the castle of Javier in Navarre, Spain. As a student in Paris he shared a room with Ignatius of Loyola, who repeated to him the words of Jesus: “What will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” (Matthew 16:26) Francis became one of the first companions of Ignatius and a founding member of the Society of Jesus.

Sent to the East at the request of the King of Portugal, he arrived in Goa on 6 May 1542. He worked among the pearl fishers of the Fishery Coast, along the coast of Travancore, then in Malacca, the Moluccas and Japan. He taught the catechism in simple songs, cared for the sick in hospitals and baptised many thousands.

He died on 3 December 1552 on the island of Shangchuan, within sight of the coast of China, which he longed to enter. His body is venerated in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. He was canonised in 1622 together with St Ignatius, and in 1927 was named, with St Thérèse of Lisieux, patron of the missions.

Lessons

What does it profit?

One question from a friend changed Francis's ambitions from worldly success to the Kingdom of God.

Mission needs zeal

He travelled thousands of miles by sea and on foot, in hardship, to bring Christ to others.

Teach simply

He put the prayers and catechism into simple verses that children and fishermen could sing.

Obedience and friendship

His letters show deep love and obedience towards Ignatius and his brothers.

Stories

Crying out like a madman (history)

In a letter of 1544 he wrote that many people were not becoming Christians only because there was no one to teach them, and that he often thought of going round the universities of Europe crying out like a madman to awaken students to this need.

The crab and the crucifix (legend)

A popular legend says that during a storm Francis held his crucifix in the waves and lost it, and that a crab brought it back to him on the shore.

Words of the saint

“Many, many people hereabouts are not becoming Christians for one reason only: there is nobody to make them Christians.”
St Francis Xavier, letter to St Ignatius and companions (1544), Office of Readings, 3 December

Homily · The saint's life and message

1. A question that changed a life

What will it profit them to gain the whole world? (Matthew 16:26).

2. Sent to the East

Goa 1542, the Fishery Coast, Travancore, Malacca, Japan.

3. Teaching simply

Catechism in songs, care for the sick.

4. Dying with his eyes on China

Sancian island, 1552.

Dear brothers and sisters, St Francis Xavier was a brilliant young man at the University of Paris, ambitious for a fine career. His roommate, Ignatius of Loyola, kept repeating to him the words of Jesus: what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? (Matthew 16:26). Slowly the question entered Francis's heart, and it changed his life.

He became one of the first Jesuits and was sent to the East. He arrived in Goa in 1542 and worked among the pearl fishers of the Fishery Coast and along the coast of Travancore, then in Malacca, the Moluccas and Japan. He taught the catechism in simple songs that children could sing, cared for the sick in hospitals and baptised many thousands.

His letters to Europe burn with zeal. He wrote that he felt like going through the universities shouting like a madman, to tell students that many people were not becoming Christians because there was no one to teach them. He died in 1552 on the island of Sancian, within sight of China, which he longed to enter. His body is venerated in Goa.

Francis Xavier asks us the same question Ignatius asked him: what does it profit? What are we living for? Let us pray for missionaries, support the missions, and share our faith with joy where we live.

Homily option 2 · In the light of the Word: go into all the world

1. The great commission

Go into all the world and proclaim the good news (Mark 16:15).

2. How will they hear?

Without a preacher (Romans 10:14–15).

3. The harvest is plentiful

Pray the Lord of the harvest (Matthew 9:37–38).

4. I am with you always

Mission depends on Christ's presence (Matthew 28:20).

Dear friends, the word chosen for St Francis Xavier is the command of the risen Lord: go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation (Mark 16:15). Francis took it literally. He travelled thousands of miles by sea, in dangerous conditions, to bring the Gospel to people who had never heard it.

St Paul asks: how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim Him? (Romans 10:14). Francis was moved by this question. He saw children who were baptised but untaught, villages without priests, people eager to learn. So he taught, and trained catechists.

Jesus said: the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers (Matthew 9:37–38). Francis begged Europe to send more missionaries. Today the harvest is still plentiful, in India and around the world. Let us pray for vocations and support missionaries.

Francis could do all this because he trusted the promise: I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Mission is not our project; it is Christ's work through us. Wherever you live, you too are sent. Proclaim the good news by word and life.

Homily option 3 · For young people and families: ambition and generosity

1. Good ambition

Francis was ambitious; Christ redirected his ambition.

2. A friend who challenged him

Ignatius did not give up on him.

3. Use your gifts for God

Talents are for service.

4. Mission at home

Teach the faith to your own children first.

Dear young people, St Francis Xavier was ambitious. He wanted to be a great professor, admired and successful. Ambition is not bad; God gave you gifts to use. But Francis discovered that the greatest ambition is to give your life to God and others.

His roommate Ignatius did not give up on him. For years he kept asking: what does it profit to gain the whole world and lose your soul? Friends who challenge us to be better are a gift. Choose such friends, and be such a friend.

Whatever your studies or career, ask: how can I use this for God and for people? A doctor, engineer, teacher or businessperson can be a missionary in their field, by honesty, generosity and witness.

Parents, Francis taught the faith to children in simple songs. You are the first missionaries to your children. Teach them prayers, Bible stories and songs. Some of them may hear God's call to the priesthood, religious life or mission. Do not stand in their way; it would be the greatest honour for your family.

Prayer

Lord God, through the preaching of St Francis Xavier you brought many peoples of the East to the faith. Give us his zeal for the Gospel, so that the Church may rejoice in new sons and daughters everywhere. Amen.