One of the side altars in the church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. He was a companion of St. Ignatius Loyola who founded the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, in 1534. He was ordained in 1537 and four years later sailed to Goa, India to minister to Portuguese settlers and the native people. His missionary calling also took him to Malaysia and Japan. He ministered to the sick, preached the Gospel message, baptized, and taught catechism.
The window to the left of the altar depicts Francis preaching. Among his listeners are many women, some carrying babies, and children. One is holding a water jar, suggesting that people paused, even from their work, to listen to him. Francis is holding a cross that seems to be fashioned from local materials. Communicating in the people’s language and adapting to local customs is a challenge for missionaries, and Francis’ cross suggests this.
In the background is a harbor with a sailing ship anchored, reminding us of the difficulty and danger in traveling from Europe to Asia at that time. The background of leaves and dwellings suggest the exotic landscape in which he found himself. Other priests followed him. Wherever he worked and built Christian communities he also provided for their ongoing support, especially through the education and ordination of native priests. Below the window, held by two angels, is the Gospel passage that he lived.
Francis Xavier wanted to spread the faith in China, a country that was largely closed to foreigners. He landed in Shangchuan, an island off the southern coast of China, hoping to gain permission to sail to the mainland. While he was waiting he became ill, and died on Dec. 3, 1552.
The window to the right of the altar depicts his death. A light from heaven shines upon Francis indicating God’s presence in this profound moment. He is surrounded by people expressing their sadness. Again it appears that some have interrupted their daily routines to be with him. A companion holds a candle and a prayer book. It is common that someone in a religious order would be surrounded by brothers or sisters from their order as they are approaching death. At other altars in our church, the death of St. Paul of the Cross and St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother are depicted this way with the saints surrounded by Passionist companions. Francis Xavier died without many Jesuit companions around him, but the artist has surrounded him with the people to whom he had ministered on the island.
The scripture below this window is from Psalm 116. Francis Xavier preached the Gospel to people who were poor and also to the nobility in foreign lands. He was never ashamed of the message he preached, even when it was not understood or was rejected. As we reflect on these windows, may we ask God to show us how we might live the Gospel message, and share our faith in our everyday lives.
