Francis Xavier was a missionary who came to Goa. He was unhappy that the local populace were not christians as he thought this was the only correct way to salvation.
He did not know the language of the people and perhaps truly believed he was doing good. His letters have sadly shown how he hated the customs of the Local Hindus. Idol worship was not his cup of tea whereas for Hindus it was quite normal to have a sagun (With form) aspect of the Paramatman (Supreme Soul=God) along with a Nirgun (Without attributes) paramatman for worship.
Hindus do not see Idol worship as negative in any way. Muslims use symbols, they go round the kabba, kiss the quran, Christians have statues, crosses, and elaborate icons as symbols of the almighty yet they are vehemently iconoclasts in principle.
Francis Xavier did some good charitable work for the Local people but his attitude towards Hindus and Hinduism was sad.
These very converts made idols of Francis xavier (Above right) which were worshipped just as Hindus do their Idols (Above Centre).
Catholics and their churches in Goa venerate Francis Xavier as a saint(Above left).
Hinduism thrives in Goa today and Hindus form the majority. The Goan christians practice a christian faithfar removed from the faith practiced in the dark ages when Hindus were banished and Hindu temples were knocked down as part of the christian state policy.
Hindus and christians overwhelmingly live in peace and take part in each others worship and feasts. Perhaps if Francis Xavier lived today and could speak our tongue he may have relished reading the Bhagvat Gita and its philosophy. Idol worship would not seem so abominable to him.
But those were dark days and he did think he was doing the right thing...
Are we, today, enlightened enough to understand the misadventures of the past and move on as friends??? I hope so!
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