Saint Francis Borgia

Biography

Saint Francis Borgia, also known as Francisco de Borja y Aragon, was born on October 28, 1510, in Gandia, a city located in Valencia, Spain. He came from a noble lineage, being the great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI, the grandson of King Ferdinand of Aragon, and the son of Duke Juan Borgia. As a member of the aristocracy, Saint Francis received an excellent education. He was raised at the court of King Charles V and educated in Saragossa, Spain. In 1529, Saint Francis married Eleanor de Castro, and together they had eight children. Despite his strategic alliances and political responsibilities, Saint Francis always had a deep devotion to his faith. His life took a spiritual turn when he accompanied King Charles V on his expeditions to Africa in 1535 and Provence in 1536. After the death of his wife in 1546, Saint Francis experienced a profound transformation and decided to dedicate his life entirely to God. He became a close friend and advisor to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. Inspired by the saint's teachings, Saint Francis joined the Jesuits in 1548, seeking to follow a life of holiness and service. In 1551, Saint Francis was ordained a priest and became a notable preacher, combining his noble background, intellectual knowledge, and strong faith to convey the message of the Gospel. Recognizing his talents and leadership qualities, he was appointed as the Commissary-General of the Jesuits in Spain in 1560 and eventually elected as the General of the Society in 1565. During his generalship, Saint Francis focused on expanding the Jesuit missions in the East and West Indies, establishing missions in Florida, New Spain (now Mexico), and Peru. He also worked closely with Pope Saint Pius V and Saint Charles Borromeo in the Counter-Reformation efforts, aiming to combat heresy and revitalize the Catholic Church. Saint Francis was deeply concerned about the spiritual growth of the Jesuits and introduced a daily hour-long meditation for them. He believed that, amidst their dedicated work, it was crucial for them to nourish their relationship with God. His changes and revitalization of the Society of Jesus, along with his significant contributions to its missions and internal structures, led him to be known as the "Second Founder of the Society of Jesus." Saint Francis Borgia died on September 30, 1572, in Ferrara, Italy. His relics were later translated to the Jesuit church in Madrid, Spain, in 1901. He was beatified on November 23, 1624, by Pope Urban VIII in Madrid, and canonized on April 12, 1671, by Pope Clement X at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. Saint Francis Borgia is recognized as the patron saint against earthquakes, as well as the patron of Portugal and Rota Marianas. He is often depicted in religious artwork with a skull crowned with an emperor's diadem. His feast days are celebrated on September 30, and also October 3 for the Jesuits and October 10 on some calendars. Throughout his life, Saint Francis Borgia exemplified a deep devotion to God, a passion for mission work, and a commitment to spiritual growth, making him a significant figure in Catholic history.