St Francis Xavier - Story and Legacy

Xavier was ordained as a priest in 1536. In 1540, Pope Paul III asked him to travel to India as a missionary. Xavier was made the apostolic nuncio to the east, giving him permission to establish missions in India, Goa, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan. He travelled on ships with hundreds of passengers, and when scurvy broke out, he tended to the sick, even giving up his own small cabin to house them.

Throughout his missions in Goa, India, and Indonesia, Xavier focused on the well-being of the people he worked with. He recognized that education and health were vital to creating successful Catholic missions. Xavier learned native languages and taught the Gospels through song. He trained local leaders to become priests, understanding the value of indigenous leadership in creating lasting relationships.

Xavier then turned his attention to Japan, a nation that had not yet been reached by any Christian mission. At first, he and his fellow missionaries were turned away by Japanese leaders. Over three years, Xavier adapted to local customs, attire, language, and culture. He used philosophy and discussions on morality to persuade the Japanese people, ultimately leading to the successful establishment of the first Christian mission in Japan.

During his time as a missionary, Xavier travelled over 45,000 kilometres by boat and land, and he baptised over 30,000 people. His efforts in India, Malaysia, Goa, Indonesia, and Japan established a Christian presence that continues to this day. He was canonized on the 12th of March in 1622 as the patron saint of Catholic missions.