OLD GOA: The miraculous life of a Spanish Royal of Navarre, educated in the University of Paris, ordained a priest in Venice, given the Papal Briefs of his mission to the Indies by King of Portugal John II, and who arrived in Goa via Mozambique, is being celebrated in this tiny State of India, Goa, in a very special way at this XVIII Exposition, today, 482 years after he stepped on this sacred soil.
Goans have been eagerly awaiting the dawning of the XVIII solemn Exposition of the Holy Relics of St Francis Xavier, which once again opens the doors of faith for the faithful, pilgrims and people of all faiths today, November 21st 2024. Hundreds have walked miles, with swollen feet and blisters, others have flown in from distant countries or all over India to venerate “Goencho Saib”, the protector of Goa.
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The Exposition will start with the Holy Eucharist, at Bom Jesus Basilica, at 9.30am. Archbishop of Delhi Most Reverend Anil Couto will be the main celebrant for the Holy Eucharist. Bishop of Daltonganz Theodore Mascarenhas, Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias and Bishop of Port Blair Selvaraj and our very own Archbishop Filip Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Superior General of the Pilar Fathers, the Jesuit Provincial will concelebrate the Mass, along with around 400 to 500 priests.
Thereafter, the body will be taken in procession to the Se Cathedral, the old seat of the Archbishop, in a specially designed e-vehicle, accompanied by the clergy and selected representatives of various sections of society. Around 1000 youth will form a human chain on both sides of the procession, due to security reasons.
“All of us were awaiting this solemn day, November 21st . The Archbishop had announced this Exposition almost 2 years in advance. After the 9.30 Mass, the Holy Relics will be taken from the Basilica to the Se Cathedral in procession. First the clergy, then those who went in procession and then those who attended will be allowed to venerate the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier. The relics will be open for veneration for the general public at around 3 pm to 6pm. Thereafter the Sain’s body will be open from veneration from November 22nd from 7am to 6pm,” Fr Henry Falcao disclosed.
