Francis Xavier

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Francis Xavier (7 April 1506 – 3 December 1552), born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta, was a Spanish Catholic missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus. He was influential in the spread of Christianity in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan.

Early Life

Francis Xavier was born in the castle of Xavier, in the Kingdom of Navarre (now part of Spain). He was the youngest son of Juan de Jasso, a privy counselor to King John III of Navarre, and Doña Maria de Azpilicueta y Xavier, an heiress of a noble Basque family.

Education

Xavier studied at the University of Paris, where he met Ignatius of Loyola. Influenced by Ignatius, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1534. He was ordained a priest in 1537.

Missionary Work

India

In 1541, Xavier embarked on a mission to India under the patronage of King John III of Portugal. He arrived in Goa in 1542 and began his work among the Portuguese settlers and the native population. He is credited with converting thousands to Christianity.

Southeast Asia

Xavier extended his missionary activities to Malacca, the Moluccas, and other parts of Southeast Asia. He faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and resistance from local populations.

Japan

In 1549, Xavier traveled to Japan, becoming one of the first Christian missionaries to enter the country. He initially landed in Kagoshima and later moved to Kyoto and other regions. His efforts laid the foundation for future Christian missions in Japan.

Death and Legacy

Francis Xavier died on 3 December 1552 on the island of Shangchuan, off the coast of China, while attempting to enter the country for missionary work. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622 and is considered one of the greatest missionaries since Saint Paul.

Related Pages

• Society of Jesus
• Ignatius of Loyola
• Goa
• Malacca
• Kagoshima
• Kyoto
• Christianity in Japan