Consider the following statements : 1. St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order. 2. St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there. 3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• Statement 1 is correct: Francis Xavier was one of the seven companions who, with Ignatius of Loyola, founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Paris in 1534.
• Statement 3 is correct: his feast on 3 December is a major annual celebration in Goa, with decennial expositions of his relics.
• Statement 2 is wrong: he died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island off China; his body was later brought to Goa and rests in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: he died off the coast of China, not in Goa.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is wrong; statement 1 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong, so all three cannot be correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.