WORDS Andrew Hamilton SJ
Celebrating the life of a journeyman saint
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of St Francis Xavier. Francis has a special place in the hearts of Australian Catholics. Francis was the original backpacker. His journeys would challenge even the experienced traveller today. In his own day—when travellers braved poor diet, hygiene and the risk of disease—they were extraordinary.
A Spaniard, he was born in Navarre in 1506. He studied at the University of Paris, where he met Ignatius, an older student, also from Spain. Francis and other students joined Ignatius and formed a group that would take on difficult missions for the church—the Society of Jesus.
His journey began in 1539, when Ignatius asked him to travel to India to preach the gospel at the request of the King of Portugal. From 1542, he spent a few years visiting fishing villages in south India and Sri Lanka. Later, his journeys took him to many of the islands that compose modern Indonesia, and then north to Japan. He died, just off the coast of China, in 1552, while attempting another great journey on the continent.
Francis Xavier was a man of restless zeal, preoccupied with preaching the Gospel. Wherever he went, he visited the sick, preached to the people, and spoke with learned locals. He baptised many, but left it to others to nurture the young churches.
The life of Francis Xavier reminds us today that faith is something to share. He also reminds us that sharing faith requires youth and restlessness as well as wisdom. Tracing his journeys on our modern maps also reminds us that to be an Australian Catholic is to be international in our outlook. In Australia, many churches, schools and hospitals are named after Francis Xavier. They remember him and carry on his passion.
We would like to hear how they see themselves carrying on the message of Francis Xavier for our next edition. If your school or parish has anything to share, please contact us at: auscaths@jespub.jesuit.org.au
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