St. Francis Xavier

Homily for the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Patron of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois

While we pray in Advent for Christ’s second coming, we commemorate St. Francis Xavier who helped Christ’s coming to Asia in the sixteenth century. His short life of only forty-six years was spent bringing the Christian faith to India. He also wished to go to Japan. During the sixteenth century, Japan relied tremendously upon China, so Francis Xavier decided to bring the Gospel to China as a way to influence the Japanese people. Unfortunately, he died after an extremely difficult passage to Southeast Asia on an island off the coast of China.

The Vatican Council, speaking of non-Christian religions, states our ideal: “The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in non-Christian religions. It has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines which, although differing in many ways from its own teaching, nevertheless often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men and women.”

St. Francis Xavier is the patron of the Diocese of Joliet. However, he is also the patron of Alexandria, Louisiana; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Key West, Florida. Many countries have adopted him as their national patron as have many dioceses in India. His shrine in Goa, India, is venerated by Hindus as well as Christians.

Francis studied the law and eventually went to the University of Paris where he roomed with Peter Faber. A new student, Ignatius of Loyola, joined them. Eventually these three and four other students met in the crypt of the Church of St. Denis where they formed a union which was to become the Society of Jesus, now known more familiarly as the Jesuits. Ignatius convinced them to become priests. Some years later, the Portuguese ambassador asked the Holy See to send missionaries to its colony in Goa, India. Ignatius sent Nicolas and Simon. However, at the last moment, Simon became ill. Francis asked to be sent instead of him.

Almost by accident, this man became one of the most famous missionaries of all time. As St. Paul reminds us this morning, the reward for preaching the Gospel is found in the task itself. Francis Xavier is certainly an prime example of that axiom.

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator