This week, the Xavier E-News kicks off a series of stories reflecting on the lives of saints, prophets, and influential Jesuits. Drawn from the book All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time, each story in the series will delve into the life and experiences of a carefully selected spiritual role model.

The series begins with Roberto de Nobili, SJ, an Italian Jesuit born to a noble family in Rome in 1577. A missionary to India, de Nobili undertook an intensive study of Hindu religion and culture and likely became the first Westerner to master Sanskrit and read the Hindu classics in their original language. With the permission of his superiors, he adopted the traditional dress of the sannyasi, or Hindu holy man, moved into a simple hut, and adopted a diet of rice and vegetables. He wanted his method of evangelization to embrace the local culture—not to force Western customs on the people he met. It was a controversial choice.

To read more of de Nobili’s fascinating life story, click here.