By: Saunta Anderson

To observe the life of St. Francis Xavier, the university’s patron saint, Xavier’s Jesuit community and the Center of Faith and Justice sponsored events on Dec. 3 for community members, including a Mass, open house and discussion over tea and cookies. The events were an opportunity for the Xavier community to learn about St. Xavier’s legacy and his connection to the university.

At noon, there was the seventh annual Mass for the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier in Bellarmine Chapel. After the Mass, people were invited to meet the Jesuits at their residence, at 3844 Victory Pkwy, for an open house lunch reception.

In Gallagher Student Center Clocktower Lounge on Tuesday, students attended the Catholic Ministry Team’s “Tea with the Saints,” an event held two or three times per semester.  This event focused on the school’s patron saint. Elizabeth Rahner, student chair of the Catholic Ministry Team in the Center for Faith and Justice, described the discussion as a “great chance for students to take a break from studying to discuss and learn about the life of our university’s namesake.”

This informal gathering brought students together to discuss the impact of St. Xavier’s ministry and the influence he has on the university’s values and community.

A Spanish missionary to India and Japan, St. Xavier was one of the founders of the Jesuit Society in 1534.  He is known for baptizing over 40,000 converts and for his humility, healing power and caring for the poor.

“Ignatius Loyola said to Francis Xavier, as he was leaving for the East, ‘Go forth and set the world on fire.’ That’s the same thing Xavier University says to each of its graduates today,” Brother Darrell Burns, S.J., said