The right forearm of Saint Francis Xavier, the arm with which he baptized an estimated 30,000 converts across Asia. It was separated from his body in 1614 and sent to Rome.
History
In 1614, Father General Claudio Acquaviva ordered that the right forearm be detached from Francis Xavier's body in Goa and sent to the Church of the Gesù in Rome, the mother church of the Jesuits. The arm that baptized hundreds of thousands across India, Southeast Asia, and Japan is preserved in a silver reliquary.
Scientific Investigation
The arm has been examined periodically and remains in a desiccated but preserved state. It is consistent with the age and conditions of Francis Xavier's death in 1552.
Spiritual Significance
The arm represents the tireless missionary work of Saint Francis Xavier, who traveled farther than any missionary before him. It symbolizes the power of baptism and the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
