Litany of Saint Francis Xavier
This litany is important as it honors Saint Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) who exemplified so many heroic virtues, spread the Christian Faith, and laid down his life, exhausting himself by answering Jesus’ call to missionary work, inspiring so many of the faithful to follow his example throughout the ages.
Litany of Saint Francis Xavier
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Invocation
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Supplications to God
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Invocations to Mary
Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, pray for us.
Petitions for Aid
Saint Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Francis Xavier, the glory and second pillar of that holy Institute, pray for us.
Apostle of the Indies and Japan, pray for us.
Legate of the Holy Apostolic See, pray for us.
Preacher of the truth and doctor of the nations, pray for us.
Vessel of election, to carry the Name of Jesus Christ to the kings of the earth, pray for us.
Shining light to those who sat in the shadow of death, pray for us.
Full of burning zeal for the glory of God, pray for us.
Unwearied propagator of the Christian Faith, pray for us.
Most watchful shepherd of souls, pray for us.
Most constant meditator on divine things, pray for us.
Most faithful follower of Jesus Christ, pray for us.
Most ardent lover of evangelical poverty, pray for us.
Most perfect observer of religious obedience, pray for us.
Thou who didst burn with the fire of Divine Love, pray for us.
Who didst generously despise all earthly things, pray for us.
Most able guide in the way of perfection, pray for us.
Model of apostolic men, pray for us.
Model of all virtues, pray for us.
Light of infidels and master of the faithful, pray for us.
Angel in life and manners, pray for us.
Patriarch in affection for and care of God’s people, pray for us.
Prophet mighty in word and works, pray for us.
Whom all nations and the Church have with one voice associated with the glorious choir of Apostles, pray for us.
Who wast adorned with the crown of virgins, pray for us.
Who didst aspire to the palm of martyrs, pray for us.
Confessor in virtue and profession of life, pray for us.
In whom we reverence, through the Divine Goodness, the merits of all saints, pray for us.
Whom the winds and the sea obeyed, pray for us.
Who didst take by assault the cities that had revolted from Jesus Christ, pray for us.
Who wast the terror of the armies of infidels, pray for us.
Scourge of demons and destroyer of idols, pray for us.
Powerful defense against shipwreck, pray for us.
Father of the poor and refuge of the miserable, pray for us.
Sight to the blind and strength to the lame, pray for us.
Protector in time of war, famine, and plague, pray for us.
Wonderful worker of miracles, pray for us.
Who wast endued with the gift of tongues, pray for us.
Who wast endued with the wondrous power of raising the dead, pray for us.
Resounding trumpet of the Holy Ghost, pray for us.
Light and glory of the East, pray for us.
Through the cross, which thou didst so often raise among the Gentiles, pray for us.
We beseech thee, hear us
Saint Francis Xavier, we beseech thee, hear us.
Through the Faith, which thou didst so marvelously propagate, we beseech thee, hear us.
Through thy miracles and prophecies, we beseech thee, hear us.
Through the perils and shipwrecks which thou didst endure, we beseech thee, hear us.
Through the pains and labors, in the midst of which thou didst so ardently exclaim, “Still more! Still more!” we beseech thee, hear us.
Through thy heavenly raptures, in the midst of which thou didst so fervently exclaim, “Enough, enough, Lord, enough!” we beseech thee, hear us.
Through the glory and happiness which now thou dost enjoy in Heaven, we beseech thee, hear us.
Intercede for us
Friend of the heavenly Bridegroom,
Intercede for us.
Blessed Francis Xavier, beloved of God and men,
Intercede for us.
Concluding Prayers
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us Saint Francis Xavier
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
O God, Who by the preaching and miracles of blessed Francis wast pleased to add to Thy Church the nations of the Indies, mercifully grant that we who venerate his glorious merits may imitate his virtues, through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.
Saint Francis Xavier: A Brief Biography
St. Francis Xavier was a Navarrese-Basque Roman Catholic missionary born on April 7, 1506, in the Kingdom of Navarre. His father served as a privy counselor and finance minister to King John III of Navarre. Francis was the youngest in his family and lived in a castle that still partially stands today, now owned by the Jesuit order.
Growing up, Francis was surrounded by conflict. Navarre was targeted by King Ferdinand of Aragon and Castile, and the kingdom was eventually conquered.
When the war ended and Francis reached adulthood, he went to study at the University of Paris. There, he shared a room with his friend Peter Favre. Both were greatly influenced by Ignatius of Loyola, who encouraged Francis to become a priest.
In 1530, Francis earned his master’s degree and began teaching philosophy at the University of Paris. On August 15, 1534, Francis, Peter, and several friends made vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, planning to travel to the Holy Land to convert non-believers. That same year, Francis began studying theology and was ordained on June 24, 1537.
In 1540, Pope Paul III approved the formation of their order, which became known as The Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. Francis Xavier is remembered for his incredible missionary work and dedication to spreading the Christian Faith.