1506-1552

Spanish missionary who brought Christianity to India, Malaysia, and Japan. Of noble birth, he studied in Paris where he helped found the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Ordained in 1537, he went to Portuguese Goa, in India, as a missionary in 1542. His mission expanded into Malaysia (1545) and Japan (1549). He advocated the use of local language and culture by missionaries and the utilization of natives as clergy. Xavier was canonized in 1622.