Goencho Saib is a name coined for St. Francis Xavier by his many devotees in and around Goa. Born in Navarre, Spain, he became one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
St. Francis Xavier arrived in Goa in 1542 and spent a significant amount of time in the region. He played a crucial role in establishing Christianity in various parts of Asia, including India, Malacca (present-day Malaysia), and Japan. His missionary work had a lasting impact in these areas, especially in Goa.
Early Life – Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506 in the castle of Javier, Navarre, Spain. He was the youngest son of an impoverished nobleman, who had died while Francis was still a child. Francis grew up with the clear determination to repair the damage to his family’s fortunes. His plans envisioned dreams of earthly ambition. In the end, instead of becoming a wealthy patron to tenants and soldiers, he became the patron of missionaries. God restored for all ages the family’s honour by making him a legend and a saint. Read more