Heare is a concise history of Saint Francis Xavier — often referred to in Tamil as “சவேரியார்” (Saveriyar) — focusing especially on his missionary work in India.

 

Saint Francis Xavier

Heare is a concise history of Saint Francis Xavier — often referred to in Tamil as “சவேரியார்” (Saveriyar) — focusing especially on his missionary work in India.

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Early life and calling

• He was born on 7 April 1506 in the castle of Xavier (Kingdom of Navarre, now in Spain). (francisxavier.in)

• He studied in Paris (joining the University of Paris) and met Ignatius of Loyola. (francisxavier.in)

• He was ordained a priest on 24 June 1537. (francisxavier.in)

• In 1540 he became one of the first members of the newly formed Society of Jesus (Jesuits). (sxcedn.edu.in)

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Arrival in India and missionary work

• Francis Xavier arrived in India at Goa on 6 May 1542. (Encyclopedia Britannica)

• He then travelled to the “Pearl Fishery Coast” (Tamil Nadu coastal region) among the Parava fisher-community and other local groups. (Encyclopedia Britannica)

• He learned elements of Tamil (with help of translators) to catechise and instruct the local people. (Encyclopedia Britannica)

• He visited various parts of South India, and his efforts in Tamil Nadu and Kerala are memorialised in a number of churches dedicated to him. (Catholic Online)

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Legacy and significance

• He died on 3 December 1552 on Shangchuan Island off China (after trying to enter China for mission). (palayamkottaidiocese.org)

• He was canonised on 12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. (palayamkottaidiocese.org)

• He is venerated as the “Patron of all Foreign Missions”. (palayamkottaidiocese.org)

• In Tamil Nadu he is often called “Saveriyar” (சவேரியார்), and many churches and places bear that name — e.g., Kottar’s cathedral in Kanyakumari is popularly called Saveriyar Koil. (Catholic Online)

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Key milestones in India

• At Kottar (Kanyakumari district), the church dedicated to him began early: a small church in 1603 was built at the site where he prayed, and in 1605 it was officially dedicated to him, and the local pronunciation became “Saveriyar Koil”. (Catholic Online)

• His missionary work among the fisher- and coastal communities of Tamil Nadu (especially the Parava community) is well documented. (Encyclopedia Britannica)

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Cultural and social context

• His mission occurred during the Portuguese colonial presence in India, and his work among villages and coastal communities had both religious and cultural impacts. (Encyclopedia Britannica)

• His legacy is still strong: for instance the annual feast at Kottar’s cathedral (dedicated to him) runs from late November to early December, and thousands of pilgrims of different faiths visit. (Catholic Online)

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If you like, I can pull together a full timeline of his missions in India (with specific years, places) as well as his influence on Tamil churches and local culture. Would you like that?

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