(1506-1552) Francis was born in the castle of Xavier in the Basque Kingdom of Navarre (modern-day Spain). He studied and later taught philosophy at the University of Paris, where he was roommates with Saint Peter Faber. A new but older student named Ignatius of Loyola came to room with them and eventually convinced them to become priests and join him in founding the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Francis went as a missionary to India on behalf of Portugal. He spent most of his life as a missionary evangelist in Asia, including in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and offshore China. Francis was reported to have gifts of healing, speaking in tongues, calming storms, and more.
Saint Francis lived simply, eating rice and water and residing in a hut with a dirt floor. In both evangelization and recovery, trust is gained through shared experience. Learning that another has found a solution helps us become honest, open-minded, and willing. Our “self-will run riot” gets checked. Can you recall a time when your recovery benefited from another person coming alongside you?
“Speak to them of the great mercy of God…Sometimes people are helped by your telling of your own lamentable past” (Saint Francis Xavier).
Reflection by Brad Farmer