Saint Francis Xavier
“Let the children come to me…”

There is a lot to be said for and about our patron Saint, St. Francis Xavier…

He saw that all the energy, ambition, and talent he was using to further his own career could be better used to teach people about the love that God has for them. He struggled with himself for a long time, trying to choose between a life of popularity, prestige, and pleasure and a life of dedication, sacrifice, and love. Finally, with five others, he agreed to join Ignatius, who started the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). With the other men, Francis took the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These men wanted to serve the Church wherever there was a neeed.

At this time, there was a need for missionaries in the East Indies. Francis finally arrived in India, a new part of his life opened up – his life as a missionary. As he worked in this foreign land, he began to develop a system of evangelizing.

Francis would always start with the children first – not the influential, the busy, the intellectual. He would go down the street, ringing a bell and gathering the children so that he could tell them stories and teach religious songs. Then he would go to the poor, the sick, the overworked, and the prisoners. He would become acquainted with them, live among them, and gain their confidence. By the example of his everyday life, Francis introduced them to the teaching and life of Jesus. Then, when he preached, they understood his message. Francis converted thousands in India before his zeal drove him to bring Christianity to Japan.

Excerpts from Saints and Feast Days.
Copyright 1985 by Loyola University Press