Frazer Andrade
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OLD GOA: A breathtaking solemnity and a surge of popular faith engulfed Old Goa, on Thursday, at the inaugural Holy Eucharist of the XVIII Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier at Old Goa.
At the Concelebrated Mass, the main celebrant Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto said, “The words of Jesus which transformed St Francis Xavier, ‘What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world for himself, but loses his soul,’ are the core of the Bible and the secret to Salvation. He said more often it is our desire to gain the whole world than saving our soul. This is the foolishness to which the world succumbs to.”
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrrao, Archbishop Theodore Mascarenhas, other bishops and around 400 priests concelebrated the Mass held in a specially erected shamiana in front of Bom Jesus Basilica. Thousands of pilgrims from India and abroad attended the first day of the Exposition with great religious fervour.
The sonorous choir rendered the Kyrie Eleison, Agnus Dei and Christus Vincit in Latin, adding to the solemnity to the occasion along with equally soulful hymns. Prayers of the faithful were recited in multiple Indian languages.
After the Holy Eucharist, the body of St Francis Xavier was carried in a grand procession on an e-vehicle, led by a procession of people from various sections of Goan society. The entire route was lined by 1,500 youth who formed a human chain on both sides, with a brass band playing hymns. Thereafter, the casket was kept at the Se Cathedral for veneration by the clergy, those in the procession and those who attended mass. Veneration of the sacred relics for the public began after post 3 pm.
Fr. Henry Falcão, the convener of the Exposition committee of the archdiocese, emphasized the significance of the procession, stating, “This time, we have placed considerable emphasis on the procession. The Eucharist represents the pinnacle of our faith, being a liturgical event, while the procession is classified as a paraliturgical event. However, we aimed to imbue this procession with a sense of solemnity, particularly as it is being observed globally.”
The Exposition spans 45 days and will include a variety of religious ceremonies, including Masses, prayer services, veneration of the blessed sacrament. The Novenas for the feast of St Francis Xavier will start on the November 24 and culminated with the feast on December 3, the day St Francis died on the Sancian Island while awaiting his entry into China. This is a time of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration, highlighting the rich cultural and religious heritage of Goa.
