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 Fran...