Fr. Ed Broom, OMV: Ten Lessons in Evangelization From St. Francis Xavier

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. It is a contradiction in terms to keep the priceless treasure of friendship with Jesus to oneself. Still, how did St. Francis Xavier, in such a short time, convert, baptize, and teach the Catholic Faith to countless souls? What were his secrets to success? ….