ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN DECEMBER
Saints celebrated on the 3rd of December
ST FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST
Born in 1506, in Spain, Saint Francis Xavier was an original member of the Society of Jesus with St Ignatius – he took vows of poverty and chastity, and committed himself to evangelize non-Christians. He is one of the greatest of all Christian missionaries, preaching in Goa, South East Asia, Japan – where he landed in 1549.
HIS PREACHING WAS VERY EFFECTIVE
He learned Japanese, and formed a Church that endured a long drawn-out persecution. He died while on his way from Goa to China, in 1552. Not only was his preaching effective in drawing people to Christ, but he was able to organise the communities so that they could survive when he left them.
PRAYER:
God our Father,
by the preaching of Francis Xavier
you brought many nations to yourself.
Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in you,
that your Church may rejoice in continued growth
throughout the world.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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