NOVENA OF GRACE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER: DAY 7
Read the story from the life of St. Francis Xavier.
Ponder on the “Reflection” for a few minutes.
Pray the set of prayers at the bottom of the page.
Day 7: The mission of Francis in South Asia (1542-1549) (part 3)
Francis Xavier spent seven years on the South India coast, constantly travelling up and down, preaching, teaching, consoling, comforting, begging for the poor and visiting the sick.
Francis believed that those who were not baptized were destined never to share the delights of heaven. But he also wanted to share the love of Christ with others. His journey became part of his urgent task to baptize as many people as possible. He baptized thousands of people. Francis always saw a person as a whole; body, mind and spirit. He was concerned about material needs as well as spiritual ones.
As the extent of the continent of Asia, with the populous nations of India, Japan and China, became apparent to him, Francis appealed to Ignatius for others to share the work with him.
A prayer to St. Francisco Xavier
I join with you Saint Francis Xavier
In bowing before the God of all Creation.
When I look at the great things you did during life,
I see what marvels can be achieved by a person blessed by God.
I join with you in praising God and giving thanks
For all the good things I have been given.
Dear Saint Francis Xavier,
Please pray to God for me and ask that I may live and die in God’s favor.
Please ask God for me for (here ask for what you desire),
Provided, of course, that this would be good for me.
In the end, my only wish is
For whatever gives glory to God and is good for my health in body,
Mind and spirit. Amen
Reflection:
- What animates me? When do I start to get enthusiastic about things?
- Am I as concerned about developing my mind and spirit as I am in taking care of the health of my body?
- Lord, may I be ever busy about sharing the news of your love with others.
The Lord’s Prayer…
Hail Mary…
Glory be…
