Overview
- He co-founded the Society of Jesus in 1534 after meeting Ignatius of Loyola during studies in Paris.
- His missions spanned Goa, Malacca, the Moluccas and Japan, where he learned local languages, lived among lower-caste communities, and founded schools and hospitals.
- He died in 1552 on China’s Shangchuan Island while seeking to establish a permanent mission.
- He was canonized in 1622 and later proclaimed patron of missions and missionaries.
- Communities mark the date with popular celebrations, urban missions and solidarity activities, and some calendars also honor St. Birinus, St. Casian of Tangier, St. Bibraeda and Blessed Edward Coleman.