What St. Francis Xavier Meant by “Give Me Souls, Lord, and Take All Else Away”
“Give me souls, Lord, and take all else away.”
— St. Francis Xavier
“Give me souls, Lord, and take all else away” expresses the burning missionary zeal that defined the life of St. Francis Xavier, one of the greatest evangelists in Christian history.
Who Said “Give Me Souls, Lord, and Take All Else Away”?
This quote is attributed to St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552), the Jesuit missionary who carried the Gospel across India, Southeast Asia, and Japan. A close companion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, he spent much of his life traveling, preaching, baptizing, and bringing the message of Christ to people who had never heard it before.
What Does “Give Me Souls, Lord, and Take All Else Away” Mean?
This prayer reveals the deepest desire of St. Francis Xavier’s heart. More than wealth, comfort, recognition, or personal success, he longed to help others come to know and love Jesus Christ.
When he asks God to “give me souls,” he is expressing a desire to participate in God’s work of salvation. He wants his life to be spent serving others and leading them closer to Christ. The second part of the prayer — “take all else away” — shows his willingness to surrender anything that might distract him from that mission.
St. Francis Xavier understood that earthly possessions and achievements are temporary. What lasts forever are the souls God has created and redeemed. His words reflect a heart completely devoted to the Kingdom of God.
Why This Quote Still Matters Today
In a culture that often measures success by status, possessions, or personal accomplishments, St. Francis Xavier offers a different perspective. He reminds us that the greatest purpose of life is to love God and help others encounter His love.
Whether through our words, prayers, example, or acts of charity, every Christian is called to share Christ with others in some way.
When we place God’s mission first, everything else finds its proper place.
If you would like to reflect more deeply on the life and missionary witness of St. Francis Xavier, you are invited to explore our 30-day devotional,
Walking with St. Francis Xavier
— a daily journey of prayer, reflection, and courageous faith.
