A relic of St Francis Xavier has begun a three-month “Pilgrimage of Grace” in Australia. The relic is Xavier’s right forearm, which has been kept in the Church of the Gesu, the Society’s mother Church in Rome for the past 400 years.
In a letter to the faithful on the occasion of the pilgrimage, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney Peter A. Comensoli expressed joy at the visit, inviting the faithful “to experience the person of Christ … through the presence of this great saint’s relic”.
“St Francis has always held a special place in the life of Catholics in Australia,” he said. “When we were a missionary country, he was (along with St Therese of the Child Jesus) our co-patron. Three cathedrals and many churches and schools are named after him. He continues to inspire us as a tremendous example of a missionary and evangelizer, and he intercedes for our nation even today.”
Australian Jesuit Provincial Fr Steve Curtin SJ welcomed the “Pilgrimage of Grace” as an opportunity to experience the story of the “greatest missionary journeys”. Recounting Xavier’s travels to India, Indonesia, Japan, and finally, to China where he died, Fr Curtin said “The relic puts us in touch with this trailblazing story.”
The relic was formally welcomed with a mass at St Mary’s Church in North Sydney, Sydney Archbishop George Cardinal Pell presided with concelebrants who included Bishop Comensoli and Fr Curtin.
In his homily, Cardinal Pell explored the historical context in which the first Jesuits established their community and mission in the early 16th Century, discussing the enormous pressures faced by the Catholic Church during that period.
“The Jesuits were founded, dedicated to fostering Church reform and missionary work, and to translating the love and teachings of Christ into daily living,” he said. ‘Francis Xavier was secretary to Ignatius. At one day’s notice, he left for his missionary journey to Asia – India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia. Xavier converted tens of thousands, especially in India.’
Xavier’s legacy
Cardinal Pell spoke of Xavier’s legacy in these countries, where his preaching of personal conversion to Christ continues to invigorate the faith of Catholics today. He also acknowledged the vibrancy of Xavier’s faith and evangelisation that encouraged good works to flourish, making a difference to people’s lives even today.
“I was with an Indian Bishop yesterday who said that while there are two percent of Catholics in India, in some sectors and some parts of the country, they provide 30 percent of education.”
He hoped that the missionary legacy of the great saint would inspire the faith of Australians in the national Pilgrimage of Grace.
“Today in particular we remember a man who gave up a promising career, to dedicate himself radically to Christ to go to the other side of the world, to Asia,” said Cardinal Pell. “Let us pray that as the relic will go around our country, may it inspire many people, especially the young, that many of them will follow in the footsteps of St Francis Xavier.”
A far-reaching influence
The veneration following the Mass proved to be awe-inspiring for many people who stood in line to wait for their turn, many of them from Asian families.
“We are originally from Pakistan and he is our family’s patron saint,” said Louisa who has the same surname as the saint. ‘It is a privilege and honour to come here and see the relic. Even in our daily prayers, we always say, “St Francis Xavier, pray for us.”
Even for Australians not too familiar with St Francis Xavier or relics, the experience was unforgettable.
Nine-year-old Sophia from the North Sydney parish was among those first in line for the veneration.
“It was exciting, seeing a saint’s hand. The hand had two big bracelets, one at its wrist and one at the elbow,” she said. “I was thankful that I saw it.”