Saint Francis Borgia
b.1510 – d.1572
Canonized in 1670 by Pope Clement X
Francis Borgia, Duke of Gandia and Captain-General of Catalonia, was one of the handsomest, richest, and most honored nobles in Spain. He was married at the age of nineteen, was the father of eight children, and became a widower at the age of 36. In 1539, there was laid upon him the sad duty of escorting the remains of his sovereign, Queen Isabella, to the royal burying place at Granada. The coffin had to be opened for him that he might verify the body before it was placed in the tomb, and so foul a sight met his eyes that he vowed never again to serve a sovereign who could suffer so base a change. He learned right then and there the worthlessness of earthly greatness.
It was some years before he could follow the call of his Lord, but eventually he entered the Society of Jesus to cut himself off from any chance of dignity or preferment. He was a friend and advisor of St. Ignatius of Loyola. In 1565 he was elected Vicar - General of the Society of Jesus. He was a very gifted preacher. Under his leadership the Jesuits established missions in Florida and Peru, and spread the Order throughout Spain and Portugal. He labored faithfully and helped win many souls back to the Catholic Faith during the renaissance of Catholicism.
The Turks were threatening Christendom, and St. Pius V sent his nephew to gather Christian princes into a league for its defense. The holy Pope chose Francis to accompany him, and, worn out and extremely ill though he was, the Saint obeyed at once.
His rigorous schedule and duties exhausted what little life was left. St. Francis died on his return to Rome in 1572.
References: Catholic Encyclopedia, Patron Saints Index, Lives of the Saints