MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024
The feast of St Francis Xavier was celebrated with great religious fervour at Old Goa on Thursday. While the thousands that otherwise throng the Basilica of Bom Jesus were missing, there was much fervour witnessed.
Masses were held at 6 am, 7 am and 8 am, followed by the festive high mass celebrated by Archbishop Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao, with Bishop Rev Alex Dias and Vicar General Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes, and a number of other priests concelebrating.
Due to the outbreak of the pandemic this year, the Church authorities in Goa withheld public gatherings for the congregational masses. Parishioners were not allowed to attend the masses, including the main mass at 10.30 am, at which there was limited participation of one person per parish.
The veneration of the relics of St Francis Xavier was, however, allowed after the masses, but with a limited number of people at a time.
While people formed long queues during the day outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus awaiting their turn to venerate the relics, measures were taken to ensure that there was no crowding at the place, and the event was telecast live online as well.
Rector of the Basilica Fr Patricio Fernandes thanked the people for complying with the pandemic norms and allowing the novenas and feast to be celebrated with limited participation of the faithful.
