EUROPE/SPAIN - “People are still attracted by the figure of St Francis Xavier because of the lucidity of his criteria and values, the generosity and joy of his dedication, the conviction and enthusiasm with which he preached Jesus Christ”: interview with Rector of Javier Shrine

Thursday, 6 April 2006

Navarra (Fides Service) - Friday 7 April is the 500th anniversary of the birth of St Francis Xavier (1506-1549), the patron saint of missions. Central events will be celebrated in Navarra, Spain. According to the rector of Javier Shrine in Navarra Fr. Ricardo J. Sada, SJ, the main Mass will be celebrated in the square in front of Javier Castle presided by special envoy of Pope Benedict XVI Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela archbishop of Madrid head of a papal delegation including Fr. Elías Royón SJ Provincial for Spain and Rev. D. Anastasio Gil García, secretary of the Spanish Bishops’ Commission for Missions. Some 36 Concelebrants will include Cardinal Carlos M. Amigo, archbishop of Seville; Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, archbishop of Toledo; Archbishop Manuel Monteiro di Castro papal nuncio in Spain; Sua Ecc. Bishop Ricardo Blázquez, president of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference; Archbishop Fernando Sebastián of Pamplona; Archbishop Francisco Pérez military ordinary and national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies; Bishop Ramón del Hoyo of Jaen president of the Spanish Bishops’ Commission for Missions. Present for the occasion prepositor general of the Society of Jesus Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, the Spanish King and Queen have also promised to attend.
With regard to participation in these centenary celebrations, Fr. Sada said this year three times as many people took part in the Novena of Grace Novena and the great numbers of people visiting Javier Castel are proving a test for organisation. “I think St Francis Xavier is still popular because of the lucidity of his criteria and values, the generosity and joy of his dedication, the conviction and enthusiasm with which he preached Jesus Christ, his hidden treasure - says the rector of Javier Shrine -. If some of this could have an impact on people especially young people of today in this materialist world, filled with things but empty of deep ideas and profound serious and stable criteria and so much egoism, it could lead to a new different society. St Francis Xavier is an example and stimulus for believers and non believers alike”.
With regard to important moments of this Jubilee already past, Fr. Ricardo recalls the opening on 3 December: “The almost total presence of the Society of Jesus in the person of major superiors from all over the world was a magnificent act of homage to Francis Xavier. There were many other events but massive daily participation in the Novena of Graces was for me the most impressive, for numbers and intensity. The two Javieradas were splendid”.
However the 5th centenary will not end with the great celebration on Friday 7 April, many more activities have been planned as the rector recalls: “At weekends we have visiting groups from towns and parishes and each leave us with aspects of their deep faith and their own popular hymns and devotions”. Other initiatives include: 21 - 23 April Youth Mission Meeting; 4 to 6 August National Youth Meeting; Youth Mission Day 28 October; annuals days for diocesan mission delegates and diocesan PMS directors in Javier 20 to 22 June; Navarra Misionaries meeting in Javier 3 August; Day of Reflection for missionary institutes and congregations 28 May; various congresses, concerts and cultural events on the figure of St Francis Xavier. “Above all - concludes Fr. Ricardo - we are convinced that this event will bring people from all over Spain not only from Navarra, to visit the cradle of St Francis Xavier”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/4/2006 - Righe 49, parole 694)


Share: