This week on EWTN, where it is playing in heavy rotation, I saw once again this marvelous film--written and produced by two Jesuit scholastics, Jeremy Zipple, SJ, and Jeff Johnson, SJ, who also raised the funds for this amazing video on their own. Their filming took them from Spain to Paris to Italy to Rome. You can learn more about this wonderful film here, and see a clip below. Happy Feast Day!
James Martin, SJ
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I have a favor to ask. Francis Xavier has been a favorite of mine since my youth. I remember my excitement when a reliquary containing his arm was displayed at our parish. I was totally in awe!
I read somewhere that on one of his journeys his faithful aide, a young Chinese, died and was buried at sea. He lamented greatly because despite his many efforts the young man persisted in his pagan beliefs and even though he was a faithful friend and a good man St. Francis believed that he nonetheless was in hell for all eternity.
Does his story have any truth to it? I have diligently searched the internet and can find no further information on this incident.
Thanks, in advance, Father!
"What shall we say of St. Francis Xavier who at times when distributing Holy Communion felt so carried away by a sense of adoration toward Our Lord Who was in his hands, that he got on his knees and in that position continued giving Holy Communion? Did that not present a witness of faith and love worthy of heaven?"