Goencho Saib: The Life and Miracles of Saint Francis Xavier

While studying at the University of Paris, he met Ignatius of Loyola whose efforts led Francis Xavier to a religious conversion. In 1534, Francis Xavier, Ignatius of Loyola and five others formed a religious order of priests, the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuits).

The Jesuits adopted the trigram of Christ (IHS) and the three nails, surmounted by a cross as the emblem of their Order. This emblem appears on buildings built by the Jesuits, liturgical objects and textiles such as this 18th century humeral veil.

Saint Francis Xavier’s missionary activities in India and South East Asia are marked by various miracles, as seen in many of the objects associated with the Saint.

Miracles, said to have been performed by Saint Francis Xavier, are depicted on this coffer’s side, one about the raising of a dead man, and another alluding to the help given to the Vicar of Malacca, where the saint drove away demons persecuting him at the time of his death.

According to popular belief, Saint Francis Xavier was caught in a storm while on his way to Malacca. He prayed to God and dipped his crucifix into the turbulent waters to calm them, but while doing so the crucifix slipped out of his hand and fell into the sea.

When he reached Malacca, while walking along the seashore he saw a crab come out of the water towards him. It was carrying the crucifix in its claws.

The handle of the staff in the saint's hand indicates that it could be the one that the Count of Alvor placed in the Saint’s coffin, seeking his intercession when the Maratha ruler Sambhaji was preparing to enter Goa.