Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Saint Francis Xavier (7 April 1506 - 3 December 1552), a Spanish missionary who co-founded the Society of Jesus, along with Saint Ignatius Loyola. Saint Francis Xavier led an extensive mission which took him to modern-day India, Goa, Japan, Borneo and the Maluku Islands. He was preparing to extend his missionary efforts into China when he died on Shangshuan Island.
In the gospel passage for today's Mass, Saint Luke presents Jesus as he is rejoicing in the Holy Spirit: I give you praise Father, Lord of heaven and earth (Lk 10:21). Like all missionaries, Saint Francis continued his devoted work so that he could give praise to God the Father.
Since 1927, Saint Francis Xavier has been recognized as a co-patron of foreign missions, along with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Let us ask Saint Francis to pray with us today, to awaken and to strengthen within us the desire to evangelize: to give praise to God our Father by sharing the good news of the gospel with others, wherever they are.
Have a great day.
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