Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St Francis Xavier, one of the greatest Christian missionaries. His ministry of teaching and preaching has extended from India to Japan. He was a co-founder of the Jesuits and was a companion of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Francis Xavier was one of the first Jesuits who took vows of poverty and chastity. He led an extensive mission into Asia during the time of the Portuguese empire and was influential in evangelization work, most notably in India. Then he continued to Southeast Asia: Japan and China. While he was waiting to enter main- land China as an Apostolic nuncio on behalf of the Portuguese prisoners, he died of fever at the age of 46 on an island 14 km away from the southern coast of mainland China. This is a reminder that we are called from our birth to carry out good works as priests, prophets, laypeople to evangelize wherever the Lord has commissioned us. The promise He has given is the spirit of faith in accordance with the scriptures.

Prayer: Abba Father, as your grace extends to more people, may it increase thanksgiving to your glory. Amen.