Francis Borgia (1510–1572) was a Spanish nobleman, Duke of Gandía, who served in the court of Emperor Charles V. After the death of his wife, he gave up his titles and entered the Society of Jesus, eventually becoming its third Superior General. Under his leadership the Jesuits grew greatly in mission work and education, and he was canonized in 1670.
Francis Borgia shows that no position, wealth, or worldly honor compares to belonging wholly to God. Having known both privilege and deep personal loss, he let grief turn him not to bitterness but to a deeper surrender and a life of humble service. His example speaks gently to anyone learning to carry sorrow with faith.
Saint Francis Borgia, you left everything to follow Christ after loss opened your heart to Him; pray for us, that our own sorrows may draw us closer to God. Amen.