ABOUT THE ART
Ignatius Cornelis Marinus. Reproductive Print of the Miracles of St. Francis Xavier Altarpiece. 1615–39. Engraving. Sheet: 22 1/2 x 17 9/16 in. (57.2 x 44.6 cm). The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1951. New York City, New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The print is a reproduction of the Miracles of St. Francis Xavier Altarpiece, which was painted by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens in the early 17th century. The altarpiece depicts a series of miracles performed by St. Francis Xavier. The engraving captures the intricate details of the original painting.
St. Francis Xavier – December 3rd
Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was a missionary who is known for his extensive work in spreading Christianity throughout Asia. He was born in Navarre, Spain and studied at the University of Paris, where he met Ignatius of Loyola, who would later become his mentor and the founder of the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits. This order of monks was not to be cloistered, but missionaries to the far reaches of the world.
In 1541, Xavier set out on his first missionary journey to India, where he spent several years preaching and converting thousands of people to Christianity. He also traveled to other parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Japan, where he established missions and baptized many people.
Xavier is known for his tireless work and his dedication to the mission of spreading Christianity. He is also remembered for his compassion and his willingness to help those in need. He established schools, hospitals, and orphanages throughout Asia and worked to improve the lives of the people he encountered.
St. Francis Xavier died on December 3, 1552, on the island of Shangchuan, China, while on a mission to establish a mission in mainland China. He was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1622 and is venerated as the patron saint of missionaries. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of Christian missions, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate Christians around the world to spread the Gospel and serve others in the name of Christ.
To celebrate the saints work in India we are having Goan Fish Curry. Goan Fish Curry is a staple dish in the seaside state of Goa in Western India, featuring local fish stewed in coconut milk with aromatic vegetables and spices and typically served with steamed rice or breads.