On December 3, the Catholic Church remembers Saint Francis Xavier, one of the first Jesuits and one of the most famous missionaries in history, known for spreading Christianity across Asia.
Francis Xavier was born in 1506 in the Kingdom of Navarre, a region now shared by Spain and France. His family was noble and respected: his mother came from a wealthy background, and his father served as an adviser to King John III. While his brothers joined the military, Francis chose education and later traveled to Paris to study philosophy. After earning his master’s degree, he stayed on as a teacher.
During his time in Paris, Francis met two people who shaped his future: his close friend Peter Faber and Ignatius Loyola, who arrived in 1528. Ignatius gathered a small group of men who wanted to dedicate their lives completely to God. At first, Francis was focused on personal success and was not attracted to Ignatius’ simple lifestyle. Ignatius often reminded him of Jesus’ words: *“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul?”* Over time, these words changed Francis’ heart.
In 1534, Francis Xavier, Peter Faber, and four others joined Ignatius in making vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the Pope, promising to spread the Gospel. Francis became a priest in 1537. In 1540, Pope Paul III officially recognized their group as a new religious order: the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.
That same year, the king of Portugal requested missionaries for India. Francis traveled to Portugal first, where he helped the sick and taught the faith. On his 35th birthday, he began his long voyage to Goa, India.
When he arrived, Francis saw that many Portuguese settlers were not living according to Christian values. This motivated him to work harder. He visited the sick and prisoners, taught children about the faith, and preached to both Portuguese settlers and local communities. He lived simply, choosing a humble hut and eating rice and water like many ordinary people.
His work led many people to join the Church, although he faced challenges, especially from upper-class communities and from Hindu and Muslim leaders. After India, he continued his mission in Malaysia and then traveled to Japan in 1549. He learned the Japanese language and taught the first group of Japanese Christians, many of whom showed deep faith and courage.
In 1552, while trying to enter China a land closed to foreigners Francis became ill and passed away on December 3. In 1622, both Francis Xavier and Ignatius Loyola were declared saints on the same day.