The life and mission of Saint Francis Xavier invite us to take an imaginary trip through the world he traveled, a trip which isn't just an engaging adventure, but one that can be something far more important: a trip inward toward an ongoing discovery of life's meaning, a commitment of self-giving for others, a getting-out of oneself toward horizons more open to the world.

This trip follows figuratively the main scenes of Xavier's life, and each one of us is invited to identify him/herself with him, each place and each discovery an important and decisive step toward his growth and realization. It's not a tourist's trip, but a walk inward in search of God's plan for us and of our being available to His will.

1. Spain: the search. Young Francis is searching for a meaning to his existence, a lofty goal. Suddenly, something captures his attention, something that is more than just satisfying one's desires and which beckons him to seek deeper answers to life's foundational questions.

2. Paris: the choice. The large city offers many accessible places, which leave the young man dazed and confused, easy prey to opportunities of seduction and empty promises. The choice among so many paths is the root of a decisive and courageous process of discernment, in the light of God's Word.

3. Rome: the mission. Francis with his companions intend to go to Jerusalem, but this turning out to be out of reach, they decide to go to Rome with the radical readiness to accept come what may. Chosen, at the last minute contingency, to go to India, Francis answers, "I'm ready!"

4. India: the poor. The reality he finds in India provokes shock and compassion in Francis.  The extreme provokes shock and compassion in Francis.  The extreme poverty prods the new missionary to solidarity with all and to discover in the poor God’s own image.  The option for the poor becomes one of the most radical commitments that mark Francis Xavier in the communities here.

5. Malaysia: joy. Francis wants to go always further on. Even though he has an extraordinary appeal with people and an ability to make friends, he does not let himself be bound to anyone and sets his sights for always new challenges, and good ­humouredly frees himself of goals achieved and conquests.

6. Indonesia: the unknown. Though Francis' friends try to dissuade him from the dangers he would face in the Islands of the Moors, he decides to meet those risks trusting in God and overcoming his fears of the unknown.

7. Japan: the other. Finally, Francis lands in a country completely new to the West. There he cannot rely on the support of the Portuguese colonies, and must seek the Okay of the local chiefs for him to preach the Gospel. The missionary is called to be a guest in others' turf.

8. China: the dream. His mission does not end here. Francis has plans to announce the Gospel of Jesus Christ in China, land forbidden and closed to foreigners. He lives of dreams ever more daring and does all in his powers to bring them about, overcoming all sorts of obstacles, up to giving, no ifs, ands or buts, his life to the only project and to the only dream that for him matters: the project of God.