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Feast of St. Francis Xavier

Thursday, December 3, 2026

— days to go

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier, celebrated on December 3, honors one of the most prolific missionaries in Christian history and a founding member of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta in 1506 at the Castle of Xavier in the Kingdom of Navarre (present-day Spain), he studied at the University of Paris, where he met Ignatius of Loyola and became one of the first seven Jesuits. Francis Xavier is renowned for his extensive missionary travels across Asia, including India, the Malay Archipelago, Japan, and his attempted mission to China. He is estimated to have personally baptized over 30,000 converts during his decade-long missionary career. Known as the 'Apostle of the Indies' and the 'Apostle of Japan,' he died on Shangchuan Island off the coast of China in 1552. Along with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, he is the co-patron saint of all foreign missions.

History

Francis Xavier was born in 1506 to a noble Basque family. He studied at the University of Paris, where he roomed with Ignatius of Loyola and joined the newly formed Society of Jesus in 1534. In 1541, at King John III of Portugal's request, Xavier sailed for Portuguese India as a papal nuncio. He arrived in Goa in 1542 and spent his first years ministering to Portuguese settlers and converting local Tamils. From 1545 to 1547, he worked in the Malay Peninsula and the Moluccas. In 1549, he became the first Christian missionary to reach Japan. Xavier died of fever on Shangchuan Island in 1552 while awaiting passage to mainland China. He was canonized in 1622 alongside Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Avila.

How It's Celebrated

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is observed with special Masses and novena prayers in Catholic churches worldwide, particularly in Goa, India, where his incorrupt relics are enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The feast is a major event in Goa, featuring a public exposition of the saint's relics every ten years (the next being 2024). In Japan, commemorative ceremonies honor his missionary legacy. Jesuit institutions hold educational and religious programs highlighting his missionary work. Many churches display images of Xavier baptizing converts or holding a crucifix, and prayers for the missions are offered. In Xavier's birthplace, the Castle of Xavier in Navarre, Spain, special pilgrimages are organized.

Other Years

2021 Fri
03 Dec
2022 Sat
03 Dec
2023 Sun
03 Dec
2024 Tue
12/3
2025 Wed
12/3
2027 Fri
12/3
2028 Sun
12/3
2029 Mon
03 Dec

Countries

🇪🇸 ES

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