St. Francis Xavier: A Model for Catholic Men
Advent is a season of preparation and mission, making it the perfect time to reflect on one of the greatest missionaries in Church history: St. Francis Xavier. His life, characterized by courage, zeal, and unwavering faith, offers profound lessons for Catholic men striving to lead their families, communities, and personal lives closer to Christ.
Who Was St. Francis Xavier?
Born in 1506 in Navarre, Spain, Francis Xavier grew up in a noble family and pursued an academic career at the University of Paris. There, he encountered St. Ignatius of Loyola, who challenged him with the question, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36). This pivotal moment led Francis to join Ignatius as one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
Ordained a priest in 1537, Francis embarked on missionary work, traveling to India, Japan, and other parts of Asia. He preached, baptized tens of thousands, and trained catechists while enduring immense hardships. He died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island, China, as he prepared to bring the Gospel to the mainland.
What St. Francis Xavier Teaches Men Today
1. Be Bold in Faith
Francis left a comfortable life to bring Christ to distant lands. His courage and conviction remind us that being a man of faith often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. As Catholic men, we are called to boldly share our faith in our families and workplaces.
- Quote from St. Francis Xavier:
“Many people do not become Christians for one reason only: There is no one to make them Christians.”
His words challenge men today to take up the mantle of evangelization in their everyday lives.
2. Prioritize Your Mission
Francis was laser-focused on his mission, often writing letters urging more missionaries to join him. His single-minded devotion to Christ reminds us to prioritize what truly matters—our families, our faith, and our God-given vocations.
- Practical Step: Schedule daily time for prayer and reflection. This habit can anchor your day and help you discern your priorities as a husband, father, or leader.
3. Embrace Sacrifice
Missionary life wasn’t easy. Francis endured language barriers, cultural differences, and physical suffering. His willingness to sacrifice comfort for the sake of souls inspires us to do the same in our daily lives.
- Reflection: What sacrifices can you make this Advent to grow in holiness? Whether it’s fasting, reducing screen time, or dedicating more time to your family, small acts of self-denial can bear great spiritual fruit.
The words echoed in the Office of Readings today were too good to pass up. You can read them below:
"We have visited the villages of the new converts who accepted the Christian religion a few years ago. No Portuguese live here—the country is so utterly barren and poor. The native Christians have no priests. They know only that they are Christians. There is nobody to say Mass for them; nobody to teach them the Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Commandments of God’s Law.
I have not stopped since the day I arrived. I conscientiously made the rounds of the villages. I bathed in the sacred waters all the children who had not yet been baptized. This means that I have purified a very large number of children so young that, as the saying goes, they could not tell their right hand from their left. The older children would not let me say my Office or eat or sleep until I taught them one prayer or another. Then I began to understand: “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
I could not refuse so devout a request without failing in devotion myself. I taught them, first the confession of faith in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, then the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father and Hail Mary. I noticed among them persons of great intelligence. If only someone could educate them in the Christian way of life, I have no doubt that they would make excellent Christians.
Many, many people hereabouts are not becoming Christians for one reason only: there is nobody to make them Christians. Again and again I have thought of going round the universities of Europe, especially Paris, and everywhere crying out like a madman, riveting the attention of those with more learning than charity: “What a tragedy: how many souls are being shut out of heaven and falling into hell, thanks to you!”
I wish they would work as hard at this as they do at their books, and so settle their account with God for their learning and the talents entrusted to them.
This thought would certainly stir most of them to meditate on spiritual realities, to listen actively to what God is saying to them. They would forget their own desires, their human affairs, and give themselves over entirely to God’s will and his choice. They would cry out with all their heart: Lord, I am here! What do you want me to do? Send me anywhere you like—even to India."
This was a man who knew his vocation. Knew his calling. And gave his life totally to Christ.
St. Francis Xavier in Church Teaching
The Church continues to uphold St. Francis Xavier as a model of missionary zeal:
- Patron of Missions: Pope Pius XI named him the patron of Catholic missions in 1927.
- Role in Evangelization: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 856) emphasizes that missionaries like Francis Xavier remind us of the Church’s universal mission to bring Christ to all nations.
A Call to Action for Catholic Men
This Advent, St. Francis Xavier’s life challenges us to ask: Are we fully living out our faith?
- Be Evangelists in Your Context: Whether it’s teaching your kids about the faith, inviting a coworker to Mass, or leading your family in prayer, every Catholic man can evangelize.
- Prioritize the Sacraments: Regular confession and reception of the Eucharist will give you the grace to persevere in your mission.
- Model Missionary Zeal: St. Francis Xavier reminds us that small acts of love and sacrifice can have a ripple effect, transforming lives for Christ.
Conclusion: Inspired by St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier was a man on fire for Christ, a fearless missionary who gave everything to spread the Gospel. His life is a powerful example for Catholic men today, urging us to embrace our faith boldly, prioritize our mission, and live with courage and sacrifice.
This Advent, let his story inspire you to become a better leader in your home, church, and community. As St. Ignatius of Loyola said, “Go forth and set the world on fire.” With St. Francis Xavier’s intercession, there’s no limit to what God can accomplish through you.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us!
