Roman Catholic Saint. Born in Navarre, Spain, while a student at the University of Paris, he, at age nineteen, along with four others formed the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Each were given an area of the world to labor as a missionary. Xavier chose the Far East touching on Mozambique, Indonesia, Ceylon, Japan and India, where he was most effective in the number of baptisms performed and the founding of a missionary college in the old Portugese Colony of Goa which today is part of India. While on the way to China, he reached the island of Shangechuan located a few miles from the mainland. Here he became ill, died at the age of 46 and was buried on the beach. In a 150 year odyssey where his body was moved from place to place finally ended when his wishes were realized and his remains were placed in what today is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The body has resisted decay and every ten years his silver casket is lowered from its permanent resting place atop the altar for public viewing. He was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1622.
Roman Catholic Saint. Born in Navarre, Spain, while a student at the University of Paris, he, at age nineteen, along with four others formed the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Each were given an area of the world to labor as a missionary. Xavier chose the Far East touching on Mozambique, Indonesia, Ceylon, Japan and India, where he was most effective in the number of baptisms performed and the founding of a missionary college in the old Portugese Colony of Goa which today is part of India. While on the way to China, he reached the island of Shangechuan located a few miles from the mainland. Here he became ill, died at the age of 46 and was buried on the beach. In a 150 year odyssey where his body was moved from place to place finally ended when his wishes were realized and his remains were placed in what today is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The body has resisted decay and every ten years his silver casket is lowered from its permanent resting place atop the altar for public viewing. He was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1622.
Bio by: Donald Greyfield
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