Early Life and Background
Saint Francis Xavier, born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta on April 7, 1506, in the Kingdom of Navarre (now part of Spain), was a pioneering Jesuit missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus. He was the youngest son of Juan de Jasso, a privy counsellor to King John III of Navarre, and María de Azpilicueta, an aristocrat. His early life was marked by the political turmoil of Navarre’s annexation by Castile, which influenced his perspectives and ambitions.
Education and Joining the Jesuits
Francis Xavier received his early education at the University of Paris, where he became an accomplished scholar. During his studies, he met Ignatius of Loyola, who was then forming the Society of Jesus. Despite initial reluctance, Xavier was deeply influenced by Ignatius’s spirituality and commitment. He joined the Jesuit order in 1534 and was ordained a priest in 1537.
Missionary Work in India
Xavier’s missionary journey began when King John III of Portugal requested Jesuit missionaries for the Portuguese colonies in India. In 1541, Xavier set sail for India, arriving in Goa in 1542. He immediately began his missionary work, focusing on the local Parava community and the Portuguese settlers. His methods were innovative; he used images and songs to communicate Christian teachings to those who could not read, making the message accessible to all.
Challenges and Achievements
Xavier faced numerous challenges, including opposition from local religious leaders, language barriers, and the often dissolute behavior of the European settlers. Nevertheless, his zeal and adaptability led to the conversion of thousands. He established schools, baptized converts, and founded the first Jesuit mission in India. His letters from this period, detailing his experiences and the challenges of missionary work, remain invaluable historical documents.
Further Missions in Southeast Asia and Japan
Xavier’s missionary zeal took him beyond India. In 1545, he traveled to the Maluku Islands (the Spice Islands), where he continued his evangelical work. His most ambitious mission was to Japan, where he arrived in 1549. In Japan, Xavier adopted local customs and learned Japanese to communicate more effectively. He faced a different set of challenges, including a highly structured society and the syncretic nature of Japanese religious beliefs. Despite these challenges, he made significant inroads, particularly among the samurai class.
Last Journey and Death
In his final years, Xavier turned his attention to China, a country he saw as the key to the conversion of East Asia. In 1552, he set out for the Chinese mainland, but was unable to secure permission to enter. He died of fever on December 3, 1552, on the island of Shangchuan, off the coast of China. His body was later moved to Goa, where it remains enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Legacy
Saint Francis Xavier is considered one of the greatest missionaries since Paul the Apostle. He was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1622 and is celebrated as the patron saint of missions and missionaries. His approach to missionary work—adapting to local cultures, learning languages, and living among the people—set a precedent for future missionaries. His life and work had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity in Asia and on the development of missionary strategies.
Xavier’s legacy endures not only in the places where he worked but also in the countless Jesuits and other missionaries who followed in his footsteps, inspired by his example of dedication and service. His life continues to be a source of inspiration for those engaged in missionary work and cross-cultural dialogue.
