Catholic
The feast of St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552), Jesuit missionary and "Apostle of the Indies," co-founder of the Jesuits with Ignatius Loyola.
He is the patron of Christian missions, Goa, Navarre (Spain), Japan, and co-patron of the Philippines. It usually falls on or around December 3 (fixed).
It is especially important in Catholic traditions. Find a retreat — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- memorial
- Date type
- Fixed (same date every year)
- Regions
- India, Global, Philippines, Asia
- Themes
- Saints & Martyrs, Mission
- Liturgical colour
- White, Red
Common questions
Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Asia, Goa) is observed on December 3 (fixed). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
The feast of St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552), Jesuit missionary and "Apostle of the Indies," co-founder of the Jesuits with Ignatius Loyola. He is the patron of Christian missions, Goa, Navarre (Spain), Japan, and co-patron of the Philippines. His incorrupt body is enshrined at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, India, and is exposed to the public every ten years (the "Exposition"). The feast is
It is associated with Catholic. It falls in the Advent season of the liturgical year.