π Life Timeline
1496
Born in February 1496 AD, Valencia, Spain
1510
FRANCIS BORGIA (St) C
1572
FRANCIS BORGIA (St) C
1546
ry young, and up to the time of his wifeβs death (1546) de- voted himself to the discharge of his duties at the emperorβ
1546
ry young, and up to the time of his wifeβs death (1546) de- voted himself to the discharge of his duties at the emperorβ
1671
d, to the kings of France and Spain
1671
Canonized β 1671 by Pope Clement X
β Biography
FRANCIS BORGIA (St) C. S.J.
R.M. Oct. 10 1496-1572. Born at Gandia, near Va- lencia, in Spain, of the noble family of de Borja. He was reared at the court of Charles V,- married very young, and up to the time of his wifeβs death (1546) de- voted himself to the discharge of his duties at the emperorβs court and on his own estates as duke of Gandia. In 1546 he left all and joined the Society of Jesus. As General of the Society, he was one of the greatest instruments of Divine Provi- dence in the counter-reformation. Under him the Society spread throughout Europe and the foreign missions. Austere with himself, Francis was the typical saint of the Spanish nobility β courteous, refined, kind, humble and generous, yet most de- termined and enterprising. He died at Ferrara, while travelling on an embassy from Pope St Pius V, his great friend, to the kings of France and Spain. Canonized in 1671. Cf. Att. β Baud. β Holw.
FRANCIS ISIDORE GAGELIN (Bl) M. A.C. Oct. 17 1799-1833. A native of Montperreux, diocese of Besangon. He belonged to the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris, and was
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Nobles who convert, those who renounce wealth, and the Jesuit order.
π¬ Words of the Saint
The greatest nobility is to serve God.
π Key Facts
Born
February 1496 AD, Valencia, Spain
Died
October 10, 1572 AD, Rome
Feast Day
Oct 10
Canonized
1671 by Pope Clement X
π Legacy
Francis Borgia's renunciation of ducal power for religious life became a model for nobles across Europe. Under his leadership, the Jesuits became a global force.