What Ignatius of Loyola Told Francis Xavier That Changed History

Saint Francis Xavier is revered as one of the greatest missionaries in the history of the Catholic Church. He is known for his extensive travels across India, Malacca and Japan, where he worked tirelessly to spread the Christian faith. However, during his youth, Xavier never envisioned becoming a priest or missionary. Instead, he harboured worldly ambitions and was focused on achieving social and economic prestige. His remarkable transformation from a man seeking earthly achievements to one devoted to serving God occurred during his time at the University of Paris. During the eleven years he spent at university, Francis underwent a profound change that would ultimately guide him to become one of Christianity's most influential missionaries. 

Early Days in Paris 

In 1525, a young Francis Xavier left his native Navarre to pursue higher studies at the Collège Sainte-Barbe, part of the prestigious University of Paris. At university, Francis Xavier quickly earned a reputation among his peers as a talented athlete. He particularly excelled in high jumping. His physical prowess and charisma made him a standout figure on campus. He was an ambitious young man focused on worldly success. At this stage in his life, Francis harbored little inclination toward the priesthood or religious devotion. His sights were firmly set on advancing his social and economic status. 

A Significant Encounter 

In 1529, Francis’s life took a pivotal turn when he shared lodgings with two other students: Pierre Favre, a close friend, and a new arrival named Ignatius of Loyola. At 38 years old, Ignatius was considerably older than both Pierre and Francis, who were just 23 at the time. Ignatius, a former soldier undergoing a profound spiritual awakening, had a fervent desire to inspire others to pursue religious vocations.  

Ignatius quickly formed a bond with Pierre and successfully persuaded him to consider the priesthood. However, Francis proved far more resistant to Ignatius’s influence. To Francis, the older man’s overt piety and efforts to convert students seemed laughable. He treated Ignatius with sarcasm, dismissing his earnestness as folly. 

A Gradual Transformation 

The turning point came when Pierre left their shared lodgings to visit his family, leaving Francis alone with Ignatius. During this period, Ignatius engaged Francis in deep, personal discussions about life, purpose, and faith. Ignatius’s persistence, combined with his profound spiritual conviction, slowly began to chip away at Francis’s resistance. 

A key moment in these dialogues is when Ignatius posed a question that deeply unsettled Francis: “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” This simple yet powerful inquiry forced Francis to confront the emptiness of his ambitions and the ultimate meaning of his life. 

The Seeds of Conversion 

Through Ignatius’s unwavering efforts, Francis began to reconsider his aspirations. The worldly advancement he once sought so eagerly started to seem hollow in the face of the spiritual truths Ignatius presented to him. Ignatius’ dialogues deeply influenced Francis Xavier. It ultimately culminated in Xavier deciding to become a priest and join Ignatius as one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit congregation). 

The eleven years Francis Xavier spent in Paris were a time of significant growth and challenge. His initial skepticism and ambition gave way to a deeper understanding of faith, purpose, and service. This transformation, largely attributed to his interactions with Ignatius of Loyola, set the stage for Francis’s later life as a devoted missionary. From an ambitious student to a spiritual leader, Francis Xavier’s journey in Paris underscores the power of persistence, conviction, and the profound impact of meaningful relationships.

By Steve Antao