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12The Francis Xavier Altar  The two altars, which line the right and left entrance to the sanctuary, are dedicated to two men from the founding group of the Jesuit Congregation: Ignatius of Loyola (left) and his friend Francis Xavier (right). Both were canonized in 1622, two years later their altars were consecrated in St. Michael. Francis Xavier is one of the most important missionaries of the Church's history. He was sent to India and moved from there to Japan. He died on the island Sancian at the gates of the hermetically sealed China. Franz was one of the first to recognize and acknowledge the highly developed culture and religiosity of the peoples of the Far East. He has done much to kindle an interest in India, Japan and China in Europe. |