Saint Francis Borgia

**Saint Francis Borgia** (S. Francisci Borgiae) was a Spanish Jesuit priest and the third Superior General of the Society of Jesus. He was born on October 28, 1510, in the Duchy of Gandía, Kingdom of Valencia, Spain, and died on September 30, 1572, in Rome, Papal States.

Francis Borgia was the great-grandson of both Pope Alexander VI and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. He initially served in the court of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and held various titles, including Duke of Gandía. After the death of his wife, he renounced his titles and became a priest in the Society of Jesus.

He was canonized on June 20, 1670, by Pope Clement X. His feast day is celebrated on October 10¹. Saint Francis Borgia is known for his piety, humility, and dedication to the Jesuit order, and he played a significant role in its expansion and organization.

Saint Francis Borgia, born on October 28, 1510, in Gandía, Spain, was a Spanish nobleman who played a significant role in the early years of the Society of Jesus. He was the great-grandson of both Pope Alexander VI and King Ferdinand II of Aragon². Initially, he served in the court of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and held various titles, including Duke of Gandía and Viceroy of Catalonia⁴.

After the death of his beloved wife, Eleanor de Castro, in 1546, Francis Borgia experienced a profound spiritual transformation. He decided to renounce his titles and wealth, giving away his possessions and joining the Society of Jesus in 1548³. His decision was influenced by a series of events that made him rethink his priorities and dedicate his life to God³.

As a Jesuit, Francis Borgia was known for his piety, humility, and dedication to the order. He became the third Superior General of the Society of Jesus in 1565 and was instrumental in spreading the Jesuits' influence throughout Europe². Under his leadership, the Jesuits expanded their educational and missionary activities, establishing numerous colleges and missions⁶.

Saint Francis Borgia died on September 30, 1572, in Rome. He was canonized on June 20, 1670, by Pope Clement X, and his feast day is celebrated on October 10². He is remembered as the patron saint of the Order of the Jesuits, the Universal Church, and the persecuted⁴.

Saint Francis Borgia had a profound influence on the growth and development of the Society of Jesus. Here are some key aspects of his contributions:

1. **Organizational Reforms**: Saint Francis Borgia wrote a new set of Rules for the Society and its worldwide missions. He closely supervised all aspects of the ever-enlarging order, which earned him the title of the "second founder" of the Society, after Saint Ignatius Loyola.

2. **Expansion of Missions**: He focused on the growth of the Society of Jesus by founding Jesuit missions in various parts of the world, including Florida, Mexico, and Peru. His efforts helped spread the faith and establish a strong Jesuit presence in these regions.

3. **Educational Initiatives**: Under his leadership, the Jesuits expanded their educational activities by establishing numerous colleges and centers of education throughout Europe³. These institutions played a crucial role in the intellectual and spiritual formation of future generations.

4. **Spiritual Preparation**: Saint Francis Borgia emphasized the spiritual preparation of new members of the Society. He ensured that they were well-trained and deeply committed to the Jesuit mission.

Overall, Saint Francis Borgia's leadership and vision significantly contributed to the growth and influence of the Society of Jesus during its formative years.

(1) Saint Francis Borgia | Spanish noble, missionary | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Francis-Borgia.
(2) A Life of Devotion and Service: The Story of Saint Francis Borgia. https://www.catholic365.com/article/27546/a-life-of-devotion-and-service-the-story-of-saint-francis-borgia.html.
(3) Saint Francis Borgia - Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-borgia/.
(4) Saint Francis Borgia | The Society of Jesus - jesuits.global. https://www.jesuits.global/saint-blessed/saint-francis-borgia/.
(5) Saint Francis Borgia | Spanish noble, missionary | Britannica. https://bing.com/search?q=Life+of+Saint+Francis+Borgia.
(6) Francis Borgia - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Borgia.