Our Patron

St. Francis Xavier, born in 1506 into a noble family in the Kingdom of Navarre, now part of Spain, is celebrated as one of the greatest Christian missionaries. After completing his early education at home, he pursued higher studies at the University of Paris, where he earned a Master’s Degree. His academic aspirations were profoundly altered when he met Ignatius of Loyola, who posed the life-changing question, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” Inspired by Ignatius, Francis underwent a spiritual transformation and joined the newly formed Society of Jesus in 1534.

In 1541, Pope Paul III commissioned Francis as a missionary to the East Indies. He arrived in Goa, a Portuguese colony in India, in 1542 and embarked on extensive missionary journeys across Asia for the next decade. His travels took him to Sri Lanka, Malacca (modern-day Malaysia), the Moluccas, and Japan. Francis embraced the local cultures, learning languages such as Tamil, Malay, and Japanese, and spreading the message of love and service. Known for his simplicity, humility, and dedication to the poor, he tirelessly cared for the sick and marginalized.

Francis’s final mission to enter China was cut short when he passed away on December 3, 1552, at the age of 46, on the island of Sancian, with his eyes fixed on the mainland he longed to reach. His incorrupt body is enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesu in Goa.

Francis Xavier’s legacy includes founding St. Paul’s College in Goa, a testament to his commitment to quality education. In his honor, Xavier University, Patna, celebrates December 3 as ‘Patron’s Day,’ commemorating his enduring spirit and contributions.