Saint Francis Borgia

Patron Saint of Portugal, against earthquakes, Jesuit education, and the city of Gandía.

Feast Day: October 10th

Religious

Gandía, Valencia, Spain

Public Domain: San Francisco de Borja via Wikimedia Commons.

Feast Day: October 10th

Religious

Gandía, Valencia, Spain

About

Saint Francis Borgia (1510–1572) was a Spanish nobleman who gave up wealth and power to become one of the great leaders of the Jesuits. Born into nobility, he served as Duke of Gandía and even worked in the court of Emperor Charles V. After the death of his wife, he experienced a deep conversion, renounced his titles, and entered the Society of Jesus. Known for his humility and intense love for Christ, Francis became the third Superior General of the Jesuits. He strengthened missions around the world, expanded Jesuit education, and guided the order during times of tremendous growth. His holiness and leadership earned him the title “Second Founder of the Society of Jesus.”

Legacy

Francis Borgia is remembered for showing that true greatness comes from surrendering worldly honors to follow Christ. He lived out radical humility, even though he had once enjoyed immense political power. As Jesuit Superior General, he established missions in the Americas and Asia, promoted deep spiritual formation, and helped shape the Jesuits into a strong missionary order. His life teaches Catholics that surrender to God’s will transforms even the most powerful ambitions into instruments of grace. Today, churches and schools worldwide bear his name, especially in Spain and Latin America.

“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” — Saint Francis Borgia