Team Herald
PANJIM: Over seven million devotees would have venerated the relics of St Francis Xavier (SFX) at the 18th Exposition at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, Exposition Committee convenor Fr Henry Falcao, said on Friday.
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Speaking to O Heraldo, Fr Falcao said, “45 days have passed so fast. Tomorrow (January 4) is the last day of the veneration. The relics will be brought to the Basilica of Bom Jesus on Sunday and there will be no veneration on January 5. We started on the November 21st. Days have gone by so fast. For me, it was a tremendous experience. Millions of people flocked to Old Goa with faith, love and devotion.”
Fr Falcao said, “One of the good things about this Exposition was that there was wonderful organisation. People have appreciated and given so many positive reviews. All those who came here experienced lot of facilities. Everything was so smooth. That was the positive point I would say.”
“About the people coming here, I would say there was rise as well as little low but there was always a flow. That was nice to see. Today there was big crowd. During Novena and Feast days, there were big crowds,” he said.
“The count we have of the people is about seven million. We started counting the people after two or three days of the Exposition,” Fr Falcao added.
About 100 visually impaired persons from Maharashtra and Goa venerated the relics of St Francis Xavier, on January 2 and 3. The initiative to bring them to Old Goa was taken by Blind Welfare Association, Goa, president Milagres Costa, who is based in London.
