Cross On Shells

Rare crab re-appears in Malacca

Saint Francis Xavier was buried in St. Paul's church in Malacca in 1553.

Before Saint Francis Xavier reached the shores in Malacca, there was a ragging storm and he dipped his crucifix into the sea and prayed to God to calm the storm. The crucifix slipped from his grip and fell into the sea and he prayed that it could be returned to him.

On arrival at the shores of Malacca, he saw the crucifix in between the claws of the crabs. He retrieved the crucifix and a sign of the Cross appeared on the crab's shell after he blessed it.

These crabs re-surfaced again in Malacca after half a century.