Feast of St. Francis Xavier

History of Feast of St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis was born in Xavier, Kingdom of Navarre, on April 7, 1506. He was born into a prosperous farming family whose finances suffered significantly during the war with Aragon. Francis traveled to Paris to study, where he met Ignatius of Loyola, who persuaded Francis to pursue a holy life and become a priest. Francis was hesitant at first, prompting Ignatius to raise the now-famous question, “What will it profit a man to win the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Francis and Ignatius were co-founders of the Society of Jesus, often known as the Jesuits. They took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the Pope. They also promised to visit the Holy Land to convert “infidels.” In March 1540, Francis departed from Rome for the Indies. His rise to become possibly the most significant Christian missionary after St. Paul happened practically by chance. He wasn’t picked initially to be a missionary, but when one of the two Ignatius had been chosen and became ill, he urged Francis to go in his place.

Over the following 12 years, Francis commanded several abroad missions, primarily in the Portuguese Empire of Mozambique, Malacca, and, most significantly, Goa. He was the first Christian missionary to visit Japan, then Borneo and the Moluccan Islands. He was renowned as the Apostle of the Indies for his evangelistic activity. Francis died of fever on Shangchuan Island on December 3, 1552, while preparing to sail to mainland China to continue his missionary work.

Gregory XV canonized Francis on March 12, 1622. The remains of Saint Francis Xavier are housed in a silver casket within Goa’s Bom Jesus Basilica.

Feast of St. Francis Xavier timeline

April 7, 1506

St. Francis Xavier is Born

He is born into a prosperous farming family whose finances suffered significantly during the war with Aragon.

March 1540

Departed Rome

Francis departs from Rome to the Indies and rises to become possibly the most significant Christian missionary after St. Paul.

December 3, 1552

St. Francis Xavier Dies

Francis dies of fever on Shangchuan Island while preparing to sail to mainland China to continue his missionary work.

March 12, 1622

St. Francis Xavier Canonnized

Gregory XV canonizes St. Francis Xavier.

Feast of St. Francis Xavier FAQs

When is Feast of St. Francis Xavier?

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier in 2026 is observed on Thursday, December 3. This day marks a global recognition of his missionary contributions and enduring spiritual influence.

How many people celebrate St. Francis Xavier?

As a prominent saint in the Catholic Church, St. Francis Xavier is revered by millions globally. The Catholic population worldwide is approximately 1.3 billion, many of whom acknowledge his feast day through prayer and special observances, particularly in regions like Goa, India, where his relics are preserved.

What is St. Francis Xavier the patron saint of?

St. Francis Xavier is widely recognized as the patron saint of Catholic missions, especially in foreign lands. He is also the patron saint of Goa, India; Pakistan; Borneo; and many other places, reflecting his extensive travels and evangelistic efforts across Asia.

Where is St. Francis Xavier's body preserved?

The incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier is famously preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, India. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a major pilgrimage destination, especially during his feast day, attracting devotees from around the globe.

How to Observe Feast of St. Francis Xavier

Read about his life

You can increase your knowledge by reading the biography of St. Francis Xavier. That way, you will know how he struggled as a missionary.

Visit a church or shrine dedicated to him

Visit a church or shrine dedicated to his name as there is a significant history behind it. On this day, activities are carried out in those places to commemorate him.

Pray together as a family

Say prayers for St. Francis Xavier with your family. You can even have a small banquet attended by relatives or closest friends.

5 Facts About St. Francis Xavier You Should Know

13 months before he finally reached Goa

Before arriving in Goa, he soon left Rome and went via Lisbon and numerous Asian countries.

He died in China

He died while waiting for a boat to transport him to China after succumbing to a severe illness.

The body is kept in a silver casket

Episodes from the saint's life of curing the sick and afflicted are marked on the casket.

Once every ten years

Since 1994, the body has been taken down just once every 10 years to display to the public.

The right forearm of the saint

The saint blessed and baptized individuals with his right arm and so, it is presently housed in a silver cabinet at Il Gesù in Rome.

Why Feast of St. Francis Xavier is Important

Remember his missionary work

This is the day when we commemorate his missionary efforts. Francis Xavier was a prominent missionary in Roman Catholic history. He was a crucial figure in the spread of Christianity in India, the Malay Archipelago, and Japan.

A reason to gather

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is widely observed in the coastal state of Goa. People will gather at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa to see the relics of St. Francis Xavier.

It’s a chance to recognize other saints

Commemorating the day also allows us to recognize all the other saints who are the backbone of Christianity. It's also a chance to send prayers for our relatives and friends who have faithfully departed.