Story of Saint Francis Xavier | English | Story of Saints

Summary

The video script narrates the inspiring life of Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of foreign missions. Born into nobility in 1506, he left his privileged life to join the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits, and embarked on missionary journeys across India, Malacca, and Japan. Known for his zeal and innovative methods of preaching, including teaching children to spread the word of God, he faced challenges and miracles. Despite his untimely death in 1552, his body, remarkably preserved, is enshrined in Goa, symbolizing his enduring legacy in Christian missions.

Takeaways

• 📖 The script narrates the life and missionary works of Saint Francis Xavier, who is known for his incorrupt body and his dedication to spreading Christianity.
• 🎓 Born into a noble and wealthy family in the Kingdom of Navarre, now part of Spain, Francis Xavier was initially destined for a life of privilege but chose the path of priesthood and missionary work.
• 🤝 Francis met Ignatius of Loyola at the University of Paris, who influenced him to join the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, a religious order dedicated to the service of God.
• 🌏 As a missionary, Saint Francis Xavier traveled extensively, including to India, Malacca (now part of Malaysia), and Japan, where he preached the gospel and helped establish the Jesuits.
• 🏥 He worked with the poor and sick, setting an example for others to follow, and used innovative methods such as teaching catechism to children who would then spread the teachings to others.
• 🏛 Saint Francis Xavier helped build 40 churches along the coast of India, demonstrating his commitment to providing places of worship for the Christian community.
• 🗣️ He showed a keen interest in learning foreign languages and used interpreters to communicate with diverse communities, which aided in his missionary efforts.
• 🔗 A miraculous event is recounted where Saint Francis Xavier lost his crucifix during a storm but found it the next day attached to a crab, which was seen as a sign of divine intervention.
• 🛖 His body, which did not decay, was initially buried on Shangyu Island, then moved to Malacca, and finally to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, India, where it remains on display.
• 🗓️ The feast of Saint Francis Xavier is celebrated on December 3rd, commemorating his life and work as the patron saint of foreign missions.
• 🕊️ The story of Saint Francis Xavier serves as an inspiration for his sacrifice, dedication to spreading the Christian faith, and his transformative impact on the communities he served.

Q & A

Who is Saint Francis Xavier and what is he known for?

Saint Francis Xavier is a Catholic saint, known as the patron saint of foreign missions. He is considered one of the greatest missionaries after Saint Paul, famous for his extensive missionary work in India, Japan, and other regions.

What is the significance of Saint Anthony of Padua's tongue being intact after 30 years of his death?

The intact tongue of Saint Anthony of Padua after 30 years of his death signifies his powerful preaching abilities and is considered a miraculous sign of his sanctity.

What is the story behind Saint Francis Xavier's body being preserved?

Saint Francis Xavier's body is said to have not decayed even after centuries, which is considered miraculous. It is currently kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, preserved in a glass case.

When was Saint Francis Xavier born and where was he from originally?

Saint Francis Xavier was born in the Kingdom of Navarre on April 7, 1506, which is now part of Spain. He came from a noble and wealthy family.

What influenced Saint Francis Xavier to leave his noble life and join the priesthood?

Saint Francis Xavier was influenced by his close friend Ignatius of Loyola, who had a profound religious conversion and encouraged Francis to consider the priesthood. This, along with Ignatius's example of living in poverty for the sake of preaching about Jesus, inspired Francis to join the Society of Jesus.

What is the significance of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits?

The Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, is a religious order within the Catholic Church known for its educational, missionary, and charitable works. Founded by Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, and five other companions, it has had a significant impact on the spread of the Christian faith worldwide.

What method did Saint Francis Xavier use to spread Christianity in India?

Saint Francis Xavier began his missionary work in India by focusing on the poor and the sick, setting an example of Christian charity. He also taught catechism to children, who then spread the teachings to others, effectively using them as 'little apostles.'

How did Saint Francis Xavier help the Christian community in Kerala, India?

Saint Francis Xavier helped the Christian community in Kerala by supporting their faith and helping them build churches. He constructed 40 churches along the coast of India, providing places for the community to worship.

What happened to Saint Francis Xavier's crucifix during a storm at sea?

During a storm at sea, Saint Francis Xavier lost his crucifix overboard. However, the next day, a crab carrying the crucifix came ashore, which was seen as a miraculous event.

Why was Saint Francis Xavier unable to fulfill his wish to preach in China?

Saint Francis Xavier was unable to fulfill his wish to preach in China because he fell sick and died on the island of Shangchuan before he could reach the mainland.

When is the feast of Saint Francis Xavier celebrated and what does it commemorate?

The feast of Saint Francis Xavier is celebrated on December 3rd each year. It commemorates the life and work of the saint, honoring his dedication and achievements in spreading the Christian faith.