Francis Xavier

:Not to be confused with St. Francis Borgia, another Spanish nobleman turned Jesuit.

Early life

Xavier was born Francisco de Jaso y Azpilcueta in the Castle of Xavier (modern Spanish Javier, Basque Xabier, Catalan Xavier) near Sangüesa and Pamplona, in Navarre, Spain. He sprang from an aristocratic Basque family of Navarre. In 1512, Castile invaded Navarre. Many fortresses were devastated, including the family castle, and land was confiscated. Francis' father died in 1515.

Related Topics:
Xavier - Spanish - Basque - Catalan - Sangüesa - Pamplona - Navarre - Spain - Basque - 1512 - Castile - 1515

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At the age of 19, Francis Xavier went to study at the University of Paris, where he received a licence ès arts in 1530. He furthered his studies there in theology, and became acquainted with Ignatius Loyola. Along with Ignatius, Pierre Favre and four others, Xavier was one of those who on August 15, 1534 bound themselves by a vow at Montmartre and formed the Society of Jesus.

Related Topics:
University of Paris - Licence ès arts - 1530 - Theology - Ignatius Loyola - Pierre Favre - August 15 - 1534 - Montmartre - Society of Jesus

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