Xavier

Xavier, Francisco (1506-52), the "Apostle of the Indies," was the son of Juan de Jasso. After studying at the College of St. Barbara in Paris he became professor of philosophy at Beauvais, and there formed a friendship with Ignatius Loyola, whom he assisted in founding the Jesuit Order. In 1541 he was sent by John III. of Portugal to preach the Gospel in India, and laboured successfully for seven years. He proceeded in 1549 to Japan, where he established a mission which continued to thrive for more than a century. In 1552 he fell a victim to a malignant fever.