This Novena of Grace, which begins March 4 and ends on March 12, the day of St. Francis Xavier's canonization, owes its origin to that good saint himself.  In December 1633, Fr. Marchello Mastrilli, S.J. was dying.  St. Francis appeared to him, asking him to renew the vow he made to work in Japan.  St. Francis promised  that all who ask his help during this novena and worthily receive Confession and Holy Communion on one of the  nine days will experience his protection and may hope with…See More