By Lavoisier Fernandes
It’s been a long time since I moved away from my home state of Goa. Yet, in my interactions especially within Catholic circles, with people of various nationalities and cultures from around the world, one thing that fills me with pride and joy is that whenever I mention I’m a native of Goa, India, there is an immediate association with St. Francis Xavier, also affectionately known to many Goans as Goencho Saib (Protector of Goa).
St. Francis Xavier has truly been a blessing to Goa and continues to bless it, echoing the heartfelt lyrics of the beautiful Konkani hymn: “Besanv ghal Saiba xarar Goyenchea… Samballunk sodankal gopant tujea,” — “Bless this state of Goa, protect it by holding it in your arms.”
Nonetheless, St. Francis Xavier, is ranked among the greatest missionaries not only of the counter-reformation era but of all Church history and stands alongside figures like Sts. Teresa of Ávila, Ignatius Loyola, and Philip Neri.
As a powerful intercessor, St. Francis Xavier, remains a priceless blessing for Goa and a treasured gift to India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and, above all, the Universal Catholic Church.
Who were the Xavier (Javier) family?
St. Francis Xavier was born Francisco de Jaso Azpilicueta, the youngest of six children, on April 7, 1506, at Xavier Castle in the village of Xavier, northern Spain (called Javier in Spanish). His family was noble, wealthy, and very religious. They belonged to the Basque race – an independent race from the Pyrenees Mountains on the border between France and Spain, known for their unique mountainous culture, language, and strong Catholic faith.
The Xavier family were strong loyalist of the Kingdom of Navarre. In 1469, when Spain’s kingdoms of Castile and Aragon united to resist French forces in the Pyrenees, the Xavier family fought on Navarre’s side. The conflict began in 1512 and lasted for over 18 years. However, they ultimately lost, resulting in the loss of their Xavier castle and huge family fortune.
So, why is he known as St. Francis Xavier and not by his birth name?
Although his birth name was Francisco de Jaso Azpilicueta, it was common at the time to sign letters with the name of one’s birthplace. As a result, he signed his letters as Francisco de Javier (Francis from Xavier), which is how he became known as St. Francis Xavier. This is also the name under which he was canonized by Pope Gregory XV on 12 March 1622, at the same time as St. Ignatius Loyola
How did Francis’ mother influence his faith and early life?
The Catholic faith was deeply rooted in the Xavier family. Before losing Xavier Castle, the heart of the family’s life was the castle chapel, where the chaplain and assistant priests celebrated Mass daily, along with a solemn Mass on Sundays, and recited the Divine Office.
St. Francis Xavier’s father passed away in 1515, when young Xavier was only nine years old. His mother, Dona Maria (María de Azpilicueta), played a significant role in shaping his faith. Every evening, she would gather the children to pray the Rosary before a venerated crucifix and sing the Salve Regina.
Who were the two men who changed the course of his flamboyant youthful life?
Young Francis completed his early studies in the nearby cities of Sangüesa, Leyre, and Pamplona. At the age of 19, the flamboyant and charming Francis, was known for his passion for dancing, athleticism, intelligence, language learning skills, and also attracted the attention of women due to his charismatic nature. He was sent to study at the University of Paris, where, like many teenagers, he dreamed of becoming famous and returning home to pursue a distinguished career.
At the University of Paris, St. Francis Xavier’s first encounter was with his room-mate Peter Faber, a young man from Savoy (southeastern France) who came from a poor shepherd family. Despite his humble beginnings, Peter’s love for books helped him make his way to Paris to study for the priesthood. Francis was so drawn by the simplicity, goodness, and spirituality of this roommate, Peter, who later played the divine role of introducing him to Ignatius Loyola.
What role did Ignatius Loyola play in Francis Xavier’s conversion?
In what one could call divine providence, Ignatius Loyola, who was 15 years older than Francis, came from the same Basque race, and his ancestral castle was not far from the Xavier family’s. However, Ignatius had been a soldier on the side of the Castilian and Aragonese monarchs. He was wounded while defending Pamplona from a French and Navarrese army. Driven by a desire to help others, he came to Paris to study for the priesthood after a dangerous pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Ignatius quickly realized that Francis was unique, with his intelligence, energy, and generous temperament. However, he also saw that Francis was stubborn and resistant to change, as he clung firmly to his worldly ambitions and the dream of a brilliant career in the Church, which seemed within reach.
Ignatius guided Francis through his famous Spiritual Exercises, and it was through these exercises, along with the powerful words from sacred scripture that Ignatius challenged his thinking—”For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”—that St. Francis Xavier experienced his own conversion.
‘I shall never forget you; entirely your own’ the moving friendship between Xavier and Ignatius
Francis was ordained a priest in Venice on June 24, 1537, becoming one of the original companions of Ignatius in founding the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). While Ignatius initially planned to send him to the Holy Land for missionary work for conversion of the Moslems, Francis’ appointment to India was almost by chance.
The King of Portugal wanted some Jesuits to go to India in the merchant fleet that was soon to leave Lisbon and when one of the chosen priests fell ill, Ignatius appointed Francis instead, saying, “Master Francis, here is your enterprise. Go, set the world on fire” Francis responded, “Good; I am ready.” It was a short and simple interview which led to great things. Francis eagerly accepted, and the two friends parted ways, never to meet again in this life.
Distance only strengthened the friendship bond between Ignatius and Francis. In Malacca and Japan, Francis would read Ignatius’ letters, often moved to tears by the words they would end with, “I shall never forget you; entirely your own – Ignatius.” So moved, he carried on all his voyages the signature of Ignatius and a copy of his vow in a reliquary which he hung round his neck.
Eleven years of Evangelizing – India, Ceylon, Malacca, Molucas and Japan
On April 7th, 1541, on his 35th birthday, Francis embarked on a dangerous voyage from Lisbon to Goa. The journey took 13 months, with many perils, including fever and food shortages. Francis devoted himself to caring for the sick, distributing food, and comforting the dying. His selfless acts earned him the respect of all aboard. Upon reaching Goa, he began his life’s mission.
Francis had an immense love for Children, seeing them as little apostles who could help him reach their parents. He would walk through villages ringing a bell, with children following him to the church. He taught them hymns about the creed, which they then shared with their parents, who sang them while working in the fields or fishing.
His greatest concern was always for sinners, both Portuguese and natives, spending countless hours in the confessional. Francis soon realized that a major obstacle to converting the natives was the corrupt, sensual and depraved lifestyle of the ruling Europeans.
After that for eleven years, until his death at 46, he tirelessly evangelized across India, Ceylon, Malacca, the Moluccas(Indonesia), and Japan, a country whose culture he adored. His ultimate dream was to reach China, but he was unable to fulfil this. He passed away in Sancian, near China, on December 3, 1552.
Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith thanks to his Salesian schooling and his passion is podcasting, theology, the papacy, volunteering.
He has hosted the ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both Church and society and has also hosted the ‘Heart Talk’ series for Shalom World Catholic TV. In 2018 one of his podcast -Mental Health and the role of the Catholic Church was shortlisted for the Jerusalem awards in UK. Presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine – Renovação, Mumbai Diocesan magazine – The Examiner, the only digital Indian Catholic portal – Indian Catholic Matters and the Faith Companion Magazine in England.