St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier (1506-52 CE) reached Goa in 1542, and began adapting Indian ways for teaching catechism. In 1548 he is said to have issued instructions that children should be taught the lives of Christ and the saints through stories and enactments; in similar manner as the Hindu Puranas so that they could inspired by the deeds of the saints. After his death in China, his body was brought back to Goa and placed in the Basilica of Bom Jesus; where it still remains. The saint is depicted holding a ball of fire signifying his ardent zeal to spread knowledge about Christianity. He� is called the Apostle of the Indies, on account of his successful missions in India, Japan and China.