FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
Ayres Sequeira
The one inspiring saint to many of his devotees across the world for reasons best known to them is Goencho Saib, St Francis Xavier. We are fortunate to have his sacred relics placed in the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa. He is remembered every year on December 3, whose feast we celebrate preceded by nine days of novena services which enables the Catholic community to revive their spiritual enhancement in coming closer to experience God in many ways. The sermons preached reflect on the Word of God bringing us closer to realities of life and to live in love, joy and peace.
St Francis Xavier sets us an example of himself to depict the emptiness of life in this world. Francis Xavier was from a very noble family of high status. He was from one of the provinces, Navara in Spain. He was very ambitious in life and was working towards attaining greatness of this world. But God had a different plan for him when Francis met Ignatius Loyola who reminded him of the spiritual life after death that is eternal. The Bible quote 'what does it profit a man to win the whole world and lose his soul in eternity'' changed his mind to follow Jesus in his footsteps. He dropped out of the university he was studying in France and joined the Society of Jesus, later came to be called the Jesuits, and worked to spread the Good News of the kingdom of God. Francis Xavier came to Goa, presumably, in 1541 after an arduous sea journey from Lisbon. He died on December 3, 1552 while on his way to China. He was declared saint on March 12, 1662. Ever since then his relics has remained in Goa at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
He is very identical of his mission he was following in teaching Catechism to children with a bell in his hand going about to call them to him and listen. His simple ways of life and living a lowly, humble lifestyle touched many of his followers who took to Christianity and became followers of Jesus. He is the reason why we Catholics in Goa are seen through him from our ancestors who embraced the Catholic Faith and passed it on to us till date.
Old Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus comes alive for nine days followed by the feast on December 3. The area turns into a sea of humanity with devotion to Goencho Saib to thank him for many favours received while also asking for intentions to be heard. Spiritual uplifting is seen throughout the day with Eucharist celebrations timed differently to convenience people to participate.
The whole world heritage area brings back memories of an era gone by. People visit the heritage religious structures left behind for us to know what Goa has gone through centuries. Devotees come from world over to pay homage to St Francis Xavier and stand patiently in long queue to kiss the holy relics of the Saint placed in a special casket in the Basilica.
This year being free from the pandemic restrictions, people gather in large numbers to attend the services and thank St. Francis Xavier for his protection during the Covid-19 infection that gripped the world. But one thing that comes to mind is God is alive in our midst through the devotion of Goencho Saib when we call out to him in our trouble times and seek his protection.
