Sunday, December 03, 2006

St. Francis Xavier

Today we celebrate our Church's most sucessful missionary next to St. Paul: St. Francis Xavier. The fire and love of this man is something I pray we can all aspire to. One comforting thing I noted about him while I was reading his biography is that Francis often wrote to his mentor, St. Ignatius, longing to be with him back at the university, because of the consolation he provided. But both men knew that God called them each to their work. When I too, long for consolation, it's nice to know that the great saints before me have also keenly felt lonliness and desire for something more emotionally simple.

A prayer by St. Francis Xavier: Eternal God, Creator of all things, remember that You alone has created the souls of unbelievers, which You have made according to Your Image and Likeness. Behold, O Lord, how to Your dishonor many of them are falling into Hell. Remember, O Lord, Your Son Jesus Christ, Who so generously shed His Blood and suffered for them. Do not permit that Your Son, Our Lord, remain unknown by unbelievers, but, with the help of Your Saints and the Church, the Bride of Your Son, remember Your mercy, forget their idolatry and infidelity, and make them know Him, Who You have sent, Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, Who is our salvation, our life, and our resurrection, through Whom we have been saved and redeemed, and to Whom is due glory forever. Amen.

one of us :: 1:49 PM :: 0 Comments

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