Jeanie Hannaman

By Francis X. Maier, The Catholic Thing - On the Church calendar, Catholics mark today, December 3, as the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier.  Born in 1506 of a noble Basque family, he came to maturity in the turbulent early years of the Reformation.  Francis studied at the University of Paris and was originally resistant to, even sarcastic toward, a religious vocation.  It didn’t last.  His friend and fellow student, and also a fellow Basque – Ignatius of Loyola – gradually convinced him otherwise.  Once persuaded, he was fully committed.  Francis went on to be co-founder of the Society of Jesus and one of the original seven Jesuits. 

By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV, Catholic Exchange - Before St. Francis Xavier set out on his great mission, St. Ignatius spoke these final words to him: “Go set all on fire!” Francis embarked for India, then to Japan, and died on the shore overlooking China. His missionary work was completed in only 11 years. He died of exhaustion at 46 years of age... Like Francis Xavier, all followers of Christ are called to be prophets, evangelizers, and missionaries. Followers of Christ must strive to be encountering Him as Friend and Lord and then share Him with others.