Saint Francis Xavier was with Saint Ignatius Loyola as one of the first seven Jesuits and was the first Jesuit missionary.

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER

Saint Francis Xavier (born Francisco de Jaso) devoted much of his life to missions in foreign countries. He led missions most notably in India (Goa) but also through southeast Asia, to Japan, and while attempting to reach mainland China died on Sancian Island, in the Bay of Canton.

Francis Xavier was born to a noble family of Navarre in Spain. Xavier met Ignatius of Loyola while they were both students at the University of Paris. He later joined Ignatius, together with five others, in founding the Society of Jesus.

He was beatified by Paul V in October 1619, and canonized by Gregory XV in March 1622, at the same time as Ignatius Loyola. He is considered to be a patron saint of Roman Catholic missionaries in foreign lands.

7 April 1506

to 3 January 1552

Family Links

Xavier School, 50th Anniversary and

St Francis Xavier, 500th Birth Anniversary

#3049d 6 Jun 2006

part of a se-tenant block of 4

Numerous schools are named after St. Francis Xavier, most of them founded by the Jesuits and can be found in many parts of the world. In the Philippines they include:

Xavier University (commonly known as Ateneo de Cagayan)

Xavier School in Manila, is a preparatory school for males

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, 75th Anniversary

#3166b 26 Jun 2008

part of a se-tenant block of 4