St. Francis Xavier Charm

While attending university In the 1530’s, Francis Xavier met and befriended St. Ignatius of Loyola. The two men, along with several others, became the first members of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits! Francis was sent to India to minister to Portuguese settlers, many of whom were former criminals or people escaping their lives in Portugal. Learning from that challenge, he bravely traveled to Japan and Indonesia, spreading the Gospel despite the persecution Christians faced.

Patron saint of:

• Japan
• Missionaries
• Missions
• Sailors