Born in Spain in 1506, St. Francis Xavier came from a wealthy family. Francis was exceptionally intelligent, athletic, and handsome. As a result, he became very proud. He began studies in Paris at the Sorebonne, where his great intelligence assured him a promising career. However, in Paris he met a fellow Spaniard, St. Ignatius of Loyola, who, after much prayer and coaxing, convinced Francis to make the Spiritual Exercises. After this retreat, Francis decided to dedicate his life to the interests of God alone and joined Ignatius and his companions, who would later become the Society of Jesus.

Francis was ordained a priest in Rome in 1537. In 1541, he left Europe to begin mission work in India. St. Francis spent the rest of his life laboring in India, Indonesia, and Japan for the spread of the Gospel and the salvation of souls. He died off the shores of China poor and suffering, but singing the great hymn of praise to God, the Te Deum. He is the universal patron of missions.

Imbued with a great desire to save souls and to see the Carmel of the Divine Heart of Jesus spread over the whole world for that purpose, our Foundress chose St. Francis Xavier as the patron of our apostolic works.