Dear Inquirers and Candidates,
Today in the Jesuit liturgical calendar we celebrate the memorial of Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., a former Spanish Duke and a great-grandson Pope Alexander VI, the famed "Borgia Pope." St Francis was, in many ways, the polar opposite of his great-grandfather. He renounced his riches, family inheritance, noble title and political influence for a life of humble service as a Jesuit priest. A man of great prayer, he eventually became the third Superior General of the Society of Jesus. He was born in Valencia, Spain in 1510. His father was Juan Borgia, 3rd Duke of GandÃa. His mother was Juana, also born of Spanish nobility.
Although as a child he was very pious and wished to become a monk, his family sent him instead to the court of King Charles I of Spain where he was welcomed as an esteemed kinsman. He distinguished himself at court, accompanying the King on several campaigns.
In September 1529, he married a Portuguese noblewoman in Leona de Casas and together they devotedly raised eight children. King Charles later appointed him Marquess of Lombay, master of the hounds, and equerry to the Queen.
However, Francis delighted above all in producing spectacular ecclesiastical compositions, justifying the assertion that, in the sixteenth century and prior to Palestrina, Borgia was one of the chief restorers of sacred Catholic music.
In 1546 his wife died, and Francis then decided to enter the newly formed Society of Jesus, after making adequate provisions for his children. He put his affairs in order circa 1551, renounced his titles in favor of his eldest son Carlos de Borja-Aragon y de Castro-Melo, and became a Jesuit priest. He helped in the establishment of what is now the Gregorian University in Rome, one of the leading Jesuit universities.
Upon Francis' return from a mission to Peru, Pope Julius III made known his intention to make him a cardinal. To prevent this, as Jesuits try to refute ecclesial honors, Borgia decided, in agreement with St. Ignatius, to leave the city secretly and return to Spain where it was thought he would be safe from the papal desires. He felt drawn to spend time in seclusion and prayer, but his administrative talents also made him a natural for other tasks. In time his friends persuaded him to accept the leadership role that nature and circumstances had destined him for: in 1554, he became the Jesuit commissary-general in Spain where he founded over a dozen colleges.
After only two years, St. Francis was also given responsibility for missions in the East and West Indies. In 1565, he was elected the third "Father General" of the Society, after the death in January 1565 of Diego Lainez, SJ. His successes during the period 1565-1572 have caused historians to describe Francis as the greatest Father General after Saint Ignatius. Again, he helped found the Gregorian, advised kings and popes, and closely supervised all the affairs of the rapidly expanding order. Yet, despite the great power of his office, Francis led a humble life and was widely regarded in his own life as a saint. Francis Borgia died in 1572. He was canonized in 1670 by Pope Clement X.
Saint Francis Borgia, pray for us!
Christ's peace,
Fr Phil Florio, SJ
Provincial Assistant for Vocation Ministry
