SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA


Saint Francis Borgia
Saint Francis Borgia

By Edward Matulanya 

Early Life and Background

Saint Francis Borgia, born Francisco de Borja y Aragón on 28 October 1510 in Gandía, Spain, was a nobleman of high lineage. His father was the Duke of Gandía, and he was descended from both Pope Alexander VI and King Ferdinand of Aragon (Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d.; Anastpaul, 2017).

Marriage, Public Life, and Conversion

In his youth, Francis married and had several children. He served at court and was appointed Viceroy of Catalonia in 1539 (Anastpaul, 2017). After the death of his wife in 1546, he felt called to religious life and renounced his noble titles and estates (Franciscan Media, n.d.).

Entrance to Religious Life

In 1548, he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Known for his humility, he performed humble domestic duties despite his noble background (Loyola Press, n.d.). His spiritual zeal soon led to positions of greater responsibility within the order (SMP, n.d.).

Leadership in the Jesuit Order

Francis Borgia became the third Superior General of the Jesuits in 1565. During his tenure, he expanded Jesuit missions and colleges, strengthening the order’s spiritual formation and global reach (Franciscan Media, n.d.). His leadership earned him the reputation of being the "second founder of the Jesuits" (Franciscan Media, n.d.).

Death, Canonization, and Feast

Francis Borgia died on 30 September 1572 in Rome (Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d.). He was beatified in 1624 by Pope Urban VIII and canonized on 20 June 1670 by Pope Clement X (Anastpaul, 2017). His feast day is celebrated on October 10 (Loyola Press, n.d.).

Patronage, Attributes, and Spiritual Significance

He is considered a patron of Portugal, Gandía, and is invoked for protection against earthquakes (Catholic Bros, n.d.). In art, he is usually depicted in Jesuit habit or priestly vestments, symbolizing his humility and spiritual commitment (Catholic Bros, n.d.).

Legacy

Saint Francis Borgia’s life exemplifies conversion and humility. From worldly influence to religious devotion, his efforts contributed to the global expansion of the Jesuit order, supporting education and missionary work (Franciscan Media, n.d.). His legacy endures as an example of noble service redirected toward holiness and leadership in faith.

References

Anastpaul. (2017, October 10). Saint of the day: 10 October – St. Francis Borgia S.J. (1510–1572). Retrieved from https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/10/saint-of-the-day-10-october-st-francis-borgia-s-j-1510-1572/

Catholic Bros. (n.d.). Saint Francis Borgia. Retrieved from https://catholicbros.com/saints/saint-francis-borgia/

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Saint Francis Borgia. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Francis-Borgia

Franciscan Media. (n.d.). Saint Francis Borgia. Retrieved from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-borgia/

Loyola Press. (n.d.). Saint Francis Borgia. Retrieved from https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/saint-francis-borgia

SMP. (n.d.). Saint Francis Borgia. Saint Mary’s Press. Retrieved from https://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/7357/

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