Can Science Explain the Preservation of St. Francis Xavier’s Body?

The enduring preservation of St. Francis Xavier’s body has fascinated believers and scientists alike for centuries. Following his death on December 3, 1552, on the island of Sancian, near China, his body resisted natural decay, sparking both spiritual reverence and scientific curiosity. Today, his remains, currently on display at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa, are a powerful symbol of faith and also a subject of ongoing inquiry into the science behind relic preservation. 

Historical Context of Preservation 

Shortly after his death, St. Francis Xavier’s body was initially in a lime-filled coffin on Sancian Island . Lime, typically used to expedite decomposition, surprisingly had the opposite effect. When his grave was opened two-and-a-half months later, the body was reportedly intact, showing no signs of decay. Sailors noted that the flesh appeared lifelike, and blood spurted when a piece of skin was removed. Over the years, despite several exhumations and physical damage to the corpse—including fractures and lesions from reburials—his body remained largely preserved. 

Such cases of incorruptibility have been venerated as miraculous within the Catholic tradition. However, scientists and historians have sought more grounded explanations for this phenomenon. 

Environmental and Burial Factors 

The initial preservation could be attributed to the environmental conditions and burial practices. Burial in lime may have created an alkaline environment that slowed bacterial growth, preventing the usual decomposition process. Similarly, the cold winter temperatures of Sancian at the time of his death could have acted as a natural preservative, akin to refrigeration. 

The repeated exhumations and exposure to varied environments might have caused further desiccation of the body. The drying out of body tissue can mimic the effects of mummification, where lack of moisture prevents microbial activity, a key factor in decomposition. 

The Role of the Body’s Chemistry 

Another intriguing possibility is that St. Francis Xavier’s physical condition at the time of his death played a role in his body’s preservation. Years of fasting and physical deprivation may have significantly reduced his body fat and altered its biochemical composition. Bodies with lower fat content are less prone to putrefaction, as fatty tissues tend to decompose more rapidly than lean tissue. 

Additionally, malnutrition and chronic illnesses might have affected the pH levels of his body, creating conditions less favorable for bacteria that typically break down organic matter. 

Modern Scientific Studies of Relics 

While no contemporary forensic examination has been performed on St. Francis Xavier’s relics, historical records offer insights. When the body was inspected in Goa in 1554, more than a year after his death, the intestines were reportedly intact, and the flesh was described as firm. Dr. Cosme de Saraiva, a physician at the time, confirmed the lack of embalming and attributed the preservation to divine intervention. 

Today, advances in microbiology and chemistry could shed more light on such relics. Scientists now know that certain soils, climates, and burial materials can create anaerobic environments, inhibiting the bacteria responsible for decomposition. The presence of lime, noted during Xavier’s initial burial, could have acted similarly. 

Faith Meets Science 

While science provides plausible explanations for St. Francis Xavier’s incorruptibility—ranging from environmental factors to physiological conditions—it does not diminish the awe and spiritual significance his relics inspire. For the faithful, the preservation of his body is seen as a sign of divine grace, reinforcing his legacy as a tireless missionary and a symbol of hope. 

The relics of St. Francis Xavier thus serve as a bridge between faith and science. They remind us of the profound interplay between natural processes and human belief, inviting both reflection and investigation into one of history’s most enduring mysteries. Whether viewed through the lens of spirituality or science, the story of St. Francis Xavier’s body continues to captivate and inspire.

By Steve Antao