St. Francis Xavier was a founding father of the Jesuit order who led Catholic missions in Asia during the 16th century. As a Jesuit, he took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and worked to spread Catholicism and provide education in India, Japan, and other parts of Asia. After his death in 1552, his incorrupt body was eventually enshrined at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. He was canonized in 1622 and is now considered the patron saint of Catholic missionaries.

1. Saint Francis XavierJesuit Company of JesusBy: Riley Docherty *4

2. What is a Jesuit?A member of the Society of JesusWork in missionaries around the world on social justice issues to provide education and training to priestsAll are menTake vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the pope; to go to wherever the pope will send them

3. St. XavierApril 7, 1506 - December 3, 1552One of the founding fathers of the Company of JesusLed missions in India, Japan, Borneo, the Moluccas and through the Portuguese Empire

4. Burial of St. Xavier he was first buried on a beach at ShangchuanIsland His incorrupt body was taken from the island in February 1553 and was temporarily buried in St. Paul’s church in Malacca on March 22, 1553The body has now in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa since December 2, 1637St. Xavier’s Tomb at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa

5. Canonization of Saint Xavierbeatified by Paul V on October 25, 1619 canonized by Gregory XV on March 12, 1622, at the same time as Ignatius Loyolaconsidered a patron saint of Roman Catholic missionaries in foreign lands feast day: December 3