In 1525 Francis left his home in Navarre and went to study at the College Sainte-Barbe in Paris. In 1530 he received the degree of Master of Arts, and afterwards taught Aristotelian philosophy at Beauvais College. While at college he met Ignatius of Loyola who was a faithful companion. While at the time he seemed destined for academic success, Xavier turned to a life of Catholic missionary service. Ignatius is said to have made the question, "What will it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" It was Ignatius that convinced Francis to become a priest. Together with 5 other founding members, they formed the Society of Jesus in 1534 and in 1537 they were formally ordained as priests. This religious order is better known as the Jesuits.
Saint Francis Xavier was not content to just teach and began his missionaries to the far east in 1541. Over the next 10 years he would convert thousands to Christianity and perform many miracles that would lead to the rise of the Christian faith in India, Japan and the surrounding region.
Saint Francis Xavier was not content to just teach and began his missionaries to the far east in 1541. Over the next 10 years he would convert thousands to Christianity and perform many miracles that would lead to the rise of the Christian faith in India, Japan and the surrounding region.