St. Francis Xavier

Homily for the Feast of St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552) was born in his family castle in Navarre in the city of Javier in what is today Spain. While studying in Paris he met St. Ignatius of Loyola and joined him together with St. Peter Faber in the foundation of the Society of Jesus. Instead of devoting himself to academic pursuits as he had planned, and in which he enjoyed great success, he became the first Jesuit missionary priest. His missionary activity began in Goa, India and extended across Asia. St. Francis Xavier was known throughout the Far East for his humility, his care of the poor, and working miracles including healings, speaking in tongues, and prophetic powers. His passion for Christ and zeal for souls won him many converts to the faith. It is said that during his missionary journeys he baptized over 40,000 people. He is considered by many to be one of the Church's greatest missionaries since St. Paul the Apostle. In his travels he left behind flourishing churches that were the foundations of the Catholic Church in Asia. He is the patron saint of navigators, missionaries, African missions, India, Japan, China, New Zealand and, of course, the Diocesan See of Joliet.

St. Paul, a great missionary himself, provides us with the first reading for today’s liturgy. We read from his First Letter to the Corinthians about his duty to preach the Gospel, naming himself a steward of that Gospel. He goes on to tell us that he has become all things to all people. This is not an empty boast but, rather, a realistic appraisal of his missionary activity. Even during the time that he found himself in prison, he continued his work through his writings. St. Paul was ultimately challenged to give up his own life for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St. Francis Xavier died at the age of 46 on an island just beyond China. Though he did not die the death of a martyr, his health was directly connected to the rigors of his life in which he was required to spend many months at sea.

The Gospel text for today is the familiar ending to the Gospel of St. Mark. This is sometimes referred to as the great commission. However, St. Mark makes it clear that while the apostles will be doing the actual preaching, they are simply vessels of the person of Jesus who will use their voices to proclaim the Gospel, to expel demons, as well as to lay their hands on the sick with healing power. St. Francis Xavier was also invested with the same tasks and power.

To be sure, we are all called to be missionaries for the Gospel of Jesus. Through the example of another great missionary patron, St. Therese, the Little Flower, we come to realize that it is not necessary for us to travel to other lands to be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is another great patron of the missions and missionaries even though she led a cloistered life. Through her prayers and sacrifices, she supported the missionary efforts of the church while hidden in her Carmel (convent).

We, too, can make the gospel known throughout the world by our example of life. We have been sent forth just as the apostles were sent forth with the assurance that Jesus will remain with us throughout our missionary activity.