By William Rodrigues, SJ –
May 20, 2021 is a memorial and historical day for the Jesuits as it calls to mind the day, 500 years ago, when a cannonball struck St Ignatius while defending the Fort of Pampalona. It brought about the downfall of Ignatius, shattered his leg and his dreams of making a name for himself. But strange as it might be – what appeared to be a defeat in battle was a victory in waiting for the church and the world.
A cannonball (round and made of iron is a weapon in warfare) can be considered symbolic of anything that brings about a radical change or conversion in the life of a person.
In this article, I like to focus on the ‘cannonballs’ that brought about a change in the life of Francis Xavier and the cannonballs he released that have had an impact on humanity.
CANNONBALL ONE: Early in life, Francis decided to be a man of letters and to make his mark chose to study at the University of Paris. He was influenced by novel ideas and doctrines of the Renaissance and the Reformation periods. He came under the clutches of Ignatius when the first cannonball struck: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul.” These words haunted Xavier and finally made him change direction. He abandoned his academic pursuits and joined Ignatius and 5 others to start the Society of Jesus.
CANNONBALL TWO: When it was time to send missionaries to the East, the one selected to go fell ill and Ignatius turned to Xavier. Ignatius’ words to Xavier’s willingness were like a cannonball: “Go Set the World on Fire.” Xavier was then a man in a hurry – making several journeys in India, sailed to Japan and finally landed on the doorstep to China.
CANNONBALL THREE: Xavier was tireless and spent himself in service, attending to preaching, hearing confessions, visiting the sick, serving in hospitals and prisons, teaching catechism to children, settling quarrels, etc. Leon Dufour said, “Xavier did not die a martyr’s death; rather, he lived a constant martyrdom of the heart.”
CANNONBALL FOUR: Xavier had absolute trust in God so much so that he believed God’s grace was by his side. You may not agree with his methods but you certainly cannot disagree with his extreme love for God so much so that it was said that he was “a prisoner of God’s love.”
CANNONBALL FIVE: The Roman poet Horace said, “The monument I demand is to be more lasting than bronze. I shall not wholly die.” This is true of Xavier; besides his canonization, he has been conferred many titles but the one that is dear to the people of Goa is ‘Goycho Saib’ (The Lord of Goa).
CANNONBALL SIX: St Francis. Xavier’s relics are preserved in the Bom Jesus Basilica and attracts pilgrims, tourists, non-believers, etc. Requests for prayers keep pouring in echoing a strong believe in Xavier’s miraculous powers. In life, Xavier worked tirelessly and so too in death, he finds no rest; as people have recourse to him.
CANNONBALL SEVEN: Xavier gives sound advice to those who wanted to follow him by saying: “Strive to make yourselves loved.” By this he meant that they should not make themselves the centre of attraction but to place themselves at the service of others. Xavier’s call is to serve.
CANNONBALL EIGHT: Xavier’s name adorns many institutions and has become a brand name, signifying continuation of Xavier’s dream – to plot new paths and realise new visions. These institutions draw inspiration from Xavier’s generous and selfless spirit of availability. Many a child in Goa bears his name – with the hope of receiving the protection of Xavier.
CANNONBALL NINE: Xavier’s inspiration probably results from the crucifix in the castle of Xavier – the ‘Smiling Christ’. The smile on the face of the suffering Christ is a reminder of the promised victory over suffering and death. This moved Xavier to give of himself without reserve as a dedicated disciple of Jesus.
On this Feast Day, there is much we can learn and imitate from St Francis Xavier. We pray to the saint that we can imbibe some of his graces.
(Fr William Rodrigues is the Superior of Loyola Jesuit Residence in Margao and the Chairman of Loyola High School, Margao-Goa)