Early Life (1506-1530)
Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506, in the Castle of Xavier, near Pamplona, Spain. He belonged to a noble Basque family and was educated at the University of Paris, where he met Ignatius of Loyola. The two became close friends, and in 1534, they, along with several other companions, formed the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Formation of the Jesuits (1534)
The group took vows of poverty and chastity and dedicated themselves to serving the church and spreading the Gospel. Francis played a crucial role in the early years of the Jesuit order, particularly in establishing its mission work.

Missionary Work in India (1541-1545)
In 1541, Francis Xavier set sail for India as one of the first Jesuit missionaries. He arrived in Goa, where he worked tirelessly to evangelize the local population. He learned the local languages and focused on the poor and marginalized. His approach included not only preaching but also caring for the sick and educating children.

Expansion to Japan (1549)
In 1549, Francis Xavier traveled to Japan, becoming one of the first Christian missionaries to enter the country. He initially found success in the city of Kagoshima, where he engaged with local leaders and began to convert many to Christianity. He faced challenges, including cultural resistance and misunderstandings, but he remained undeterred.

Later Missions and Challenges (1552)
After several years in Japan, Francis traveled to the nearby islands to continue his missionary efforts. He faced difficulties in establishing a sustainable Christian community and dealt with opposition from local authorities. In 1552, he attempted to enter China to further his mission but fell ill and was unable to proceed.

Death and Legacy (1552)
Francis Xavier died on December 3, 1552, on the island of Shangchuan, just off the coast of China. His dedication to spreading Christianity and his innovative missionary techniques left a lasting impact.

Canonization and Recognition
In 1610, he was canonized by Pope Gregory XV, and he is now considered the patron saint of missionaries. Francis Xavier’s life is celebrated for its commitment to service, intercultural engagement, and evangelism, and he remains an inspirational figure in the history of Christian missions.

His travels and teachings helped lay the foundation for the Jesuit mission work that would follow, influencing countless missionaries and shaping the future of Christianity in Asia.