Catholic Activity: Nameday Ideas for the Feast of St. Frances Xavier

Feast is December 3. Includes dessert ideas, prayer and decorations.

DIRECTIONS

St. Francis falls into the old category of "Confessors". The term "confessor" is used to designate those men of remarkable virtue and knowledge who proclaimed the faith of Christ before the world by the practice of heroic virtue, by their writings, and by their preaching. After the age of the early martyrs, such persons received veneration by the faithful, and chapels (martyria) were erected in their honor, a privilege previously reserved to martyrs.

St. Francis Xavier's immortal fire of love for Christ still draws missionaries to high adventure for God and souls. His symbols include: bell; crucifix; vessel; Pilgrim's staff; rosary; lily; font; ship and crucifix; globe.

Father: The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly. All: The law of God is in his heart. Father: Let us pray. O God, it is a joy for us to celebrate yearly the feast of Your confessor St. Francis Xavier. May we who commemorate his birthday also initiate his example. Through Christ, our Lord. All: Amen. Christ conquers, Christ reigns!

Dessert Ideas: Cut-up cake in the shape of a ship, Confessor's Light Chocolate Cake with Nameday Chocolate Ice Cream.

Activity Source: My Nameday — Come for Dessert by Helen McLoughlin, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, 1962