December 3: Saint Francis Xavier, Priest—Memorial

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December 3: Saint Francis Xavier, Priest—Memorial

1506–1552
Patron Saint of foreign missions, missionaries, navigators, and parish missions
Invoked against plague epidemics
Canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622
Liturgical Color: White

Quote:
By the favor of God we all arrived in Japan in perfect health on the 15th of August, 1549. We landed at Cagoxima, the native place of our companions. We were received in the most friendly way by all the people of the city, especially the relations of Paul, the Japanese convert, all of whom had the blessing to receive the light of truth from heaven, and by Paul’s persuasion became Christians. During our stay at Cagoxima the people appeared to be wonderfully delighted with the doctrines of the divine law, so entirely new to their ears. Japan is a very large empire entirely composed of islands. One language is spoken throughout, not very difficult to learn…The Japanese are very ambitious with honors and distinctions, and think themselves superior to all nations in military glory and valor…They are, in short, a very warlike people, and engaged in continual wars among themselves; the most powerful in arms bearing the most extensive sway. They have all one sovereign, although for one hundred and fifty years past the princes have ceased to obey him, and this is the cause of their perpetual feuds. ~From a letter to the Jesuits in Europe, from Saint Francis Xavier

Prayer:
Saint Francis Xavier, the Gospel was planted deep in your heart through the Spiritual Exercises given to you by Saint Ignatius, your founder. Those exercises transformed your life, and through you, many other lives were touched. Please pray for me, that I will be open to the transformation that God wants for me, so that I can then go forth to share His love with others. Saint Francis Xavier, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

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