The Untold Miracles of St. Francis Xavier

The untold miracles of St. Francis Xavier continue to captivate the faithful, revealing a legacy of extraordinary divine intervention. Canonization in the Catholic Church involves recognizing a person’s holiness through the miraculous signs attributed to their intercession. These miracles, many of which remain lesser-known, showcase the profound power of faith and prayer in his ministry. 

The Four Miracles That Led to His Canonization 

1. The Boy Bitten by a Poisonous Snake  

One of the most remarkable testimonies involves a young boy named Anthony, who died after a venomous snake bit him while he was sleeping. His companion, upon discovering the lifeless, purple body of Anthony and the snake at the foot of the bed, ran to Father Xavier in panic. The saint, showing neither fear nor doubt, calmly approached the boy and prayed. Rising from his knees, Xavier took Anthony’s hand and, in a voice full of conviction, called out, "Anthony, in the Name of Jesus Christ, arise!" In an instant, the boy awoke, standing as though he had merely been sleeping. 

2. The Child Pulled from the Water  

A second miracle involved a young child who had tragically drowned in a pit. This miracle further confirmed St. Francis Xavier's ability to intercede with God in times of extreme crisis. In a similar act of prayer and calling upon divine authority, Xavier is said to have revived the child, saving the family from the sorrow of losing their young one. 

3. The Young Man and the Maid Lost to Fever  

Pestilential fevers were common and often fatal in the regions where Xavier travelled. His canonization documents reveal accounts of a young man and a maid who had both succumbed to this deadly illness. Through his prayers and calling upon God’s mercy, Xavier brought both back to life, demonstrating his power to heal even the deadliest of afflictions. 

4. A Legacy Continued by His Disciples 

One of the unique aspects of St. Francis Xavier's miracles is that they extended beyond his own voice and actions. Witnesses during his canonization testified that the dead were also raised back to life at the commands of his catechists—faithful followers whom Xavier had instructed in the ways of faith and prayer. These catechists, empowered by Xavier’s trust in their ability to invoke God’s mercy, performed their own acts of resurrection. They were said to have used a cross or a piece of Xavier’s garment to call upon God’s power, further amplifying the saint's impact and extending his miraculous legacy beyond his immediate presence. 

The Exposition in Goa: Honouring a Legacy of Faith

The upcoming exposition in Goa provides a rare opportunity for people to venerate the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Pilgrims from across the world will gather to honour the saint whose miracles not only inspired his contemporaries but also left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire millions today. 

The miracles of resurrection attributed to St. Francis Xavier are symbols of hope and divine mercy that remain alive in the hearts of the faithful. His canonization reminds us that extraordinary things can happen when one dedicates their life to the service of others and trusts unreservedly in the power of faith. As pilgrims gather in Goa for the exposition, they celebrate not only a historical figure but also the profound mysteries of faith that St. Francis Xavier embodied.