Argentina / Francis Solano, 1549–1610, Feast Day: July 14

A missionary from Andalusia in Spain, Francis traveled to South America on a slave ship. The ship ran aground in a storm and was deserted by the captain and crew. Francis stayed with the slaves until their rescue. He was one of the first Europeans to travel in the Argentine rain forest, and he learned the languages of the indigenous people. He worked extensively in Lima, Peru, for the rights of native peoples. He had the gift of second sight and was a great healer.

Other patronages: Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru