OLD GOA: From dawn to dusk, thousands of people from all walks of life thronged Old Goa on Thursday to pay homage and seek the blessings of Goencho Saib, St Francis Xavier.
At the festive mass, Auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai, Rev Dominic Savio Fernandes, who was the main celebrant, urged the congregation to follow in the footsteps of St Francis Xavier and be loving and merciful to all.
Reflecting on this year’s theme ‘Honouring St Francis Xavier: Let us be Fountains of God’s Mercy’, Rev Fernandes said that Christ is the reflection of God the Father and the Bible reveals the merciful story of the Heavenly Father. “After we experience the love and mercy of the Father in heaven, our attitude and nature has to change,” he added.
Making references to various Gospel passages, the auxiliary bishop said that God’s love and mercy is reflected in the life and teachings of Christ.
Speaking about St Francis Xavier and his missionary works, Rev Fernandes said he was a man who initially sought name and fame for himself. “Being an intellectual, he moved to Paris University where he encountered St Ignatius de Loyola and the transformation followed,” he said.
Rev Fernandes said that when St Francis Xavier came to India, he spread God’s love and mercy. “His care and concern towards the sick and the dying, including the prisoners, was a vivid reflection of God’s love and mercy,” he added.
“We need to follow in this saint’s footsteps and be instruments of love and peace. This should first follow in the families. Good words and deeds will set an example to the children in homes. If we are true followers of Christ, anger and hatred need to be uprooted from our lives,” Rev Fernandes said.
The Auxiliary Bishop disclosed that Pope Francis would be declaring on December 8 the Jubilee Year of Mercy. “The nine days novena in preparation for this feast is a move in the right direction, thus enabling all of us to get set for the forthcoming event,” he concluded.
Earlier, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao welcomed the Governor of Goa, Mridula Sinha, the Chief Minister, Laxmikant Parsekar and other civil authorities present at the feast mass. Archbishop Emeritus Raul Gonsalves, Bishop Blasco Colaco, Bishop Allwyn Baretto of Sindhudurg Diocese, along with hundreds of priests were co-celebrants at the festive mass.
The Orlim parish choir led the congregation with melodious singing of hymns. Fr Savio Baretto, the rector of the Basilica, proposed the vote of thanks.
The roads around the Basilica were filled with people throughout the day. Stalls at the fair around the heritage site did brisk business.
