Francisco de Jassu y de Javier, was born on April 7, 1506, in Javier, Navarre, Spain.

He was sent to the University of Paris where, bright in studies and full of life, he graduated in 1531 and lectured at the same University on Aristotle. His roommate and fellow-countryman, Ignatius of Loyola pursued the generous-hearted Francis with those famous words: What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his very soul? Francis yielded "his soul to higher things."

Ignatius lost no time in forming his "Six Friends in the Lord" into a special group. After private vows of poverty and chastity, on August 15, 1534, they went to Rome and offered their services to the Pope who on September 27, 1540, approved of the Society of Jesus, with Francis Xavier as a founder member.

At the Pope's request Ignatius sent Francis, his personal secretary, to Portugal's colonies in South Asia; and on April 7, 1541, Francis set sail and landed in Goa on May 6, 1543. He spent several years preaching the Good News of Jesus in South India - Vasai, Goa, Tamilnadu - Sri Lanka, East Asia, the Philippines, Malaya and Japan.

Francis died a lonely death on the island of Sancian near Canton (China), early on the morning of December 3, 1552. His incorrupt remains lie in a silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa. He planted the seeds of the Gospel and those who came after him gathered in the harvest.