Francis Xavier, Saint. Lettres de S. Francois Xavier: De la Compagnie de Jesus, Apostre du Japon. Paris : Chez Georges Josse, 1660.
Call Number: SpC. 282.092 F819L1660
After receiving royal approval by Louis XIII in 1627 and papal approval by Urban VIII in 1633, the mission of Vincent’s nascent Congregation of the Mission quickly grew outside of France, and even outside of Europe to as far away as the island of Madagascar.
In order to build up zeal and enthusiasm for these far-flung enterprises among his own missionaries, Vincent frequently pointed to the example of the famed Jesuit missions and missionaries; especially the work of the Apostle of the Indies Saint Francis Xavier (b. 1506, d. 1552, canonized 1622). The saint’s biography and contemporary Jesuit accounts of their missionary endeavors around the world were standard reading during meals at Saint Lazare.
Madagascar was the scene of the activities of the French East India Company. A French political and economic presence required a French religious presence as well to serve the spiritual needs of the French sailors, merchants, and colonists as well as to evangelize the natives. Beginning in 1648, Saint Vincent sent group after group of his missionaries to serve on the island. Many died in route, all who reached the island also died. These loses affected the saint deeply.
To all those who departed for Madagascar, Vincent recommended that they follow the example of Saint Francis Xavier to guide all of their activities. In March 1661, unaware of Vincent’s death, the superior (Nicolas Etienne) of the last band of missionaries sent by Vincent wrote him about the daily schedule observed on their long voyage: Between one and two in the afternoon we read together the letters of Saint Francis Xavier to try to pattern ourselves on him, since you had given him to us as patron and model.
The above edition is believed to be the one used by this missionary band. It was translated into French by Vincent’s friends and subsequent biographer Bishop Louis Abelly.
__________
St. Vincent’s Reading List is recurring blog series exploring texts known to have been read and recommended by St. Vincent de Paul, those which can be presumed to have been read by him, and important works published during his lifetime (1581-1660). All materials discussed are held by DePaul’s Special Collections and Archives. The entire series may be viewed here.