“No one may ever excel in great things, who do not first excel in little things.”

With encouragement from his friend Ignatius of Loyola, Francis devoted himself to religious service and became one of the founders of the Jesuit Order. Much of his life was spent tending to missions in areas such as India and Japan. He was 46 when he died on China’s Shangchuan Island on December 3, 1552.

Francis was born in 1506 in Xavier Castle, located near Sanguesa, in the kingdom of Navarre (Spain). He was a member of a noble family, and his childhood was one of privilege. This was disrupted by his father’s death, as well as by outside efforts to take control of Navarre.

He had encountered Ignatius during his studies at the University of Paris. Xavier had been inspired by his friend’s conversion and example. Though at first hesitant, Xavier along with his friend and five others, founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in the Montmartre section of Paris with vows of celibacy and poverty. He became a priest and him along with the others in the society, journeyed to Rome and offered their services to the Pope.

He arrived in Goa, India in 1542 and was admired for his ability to live and work along side the poor. Seeking more converts, Xavier continued to travel, eventually journeying to Japan. He adapted to the locals and had the religious texts translated which aided in more converts.

The last of his travels brought him to China but was not able to access the mainland because borders had been closed to foreigners. Before he could find a way inside the country, illness incapacitated him.

Though he passed away at a relatively young age, Xavier had accomplished much in his life. He had baptized approximately 30,000 people.

“If you are in danger, if your hearts are confused, turn to Mary!”

He is the patron saint of Catholic and African missions, Goa, India, China, and missionaries.

His feast day is December 3.

For God’s Glory.