03 Dec 2022  |   06:21pm IST

St. Francis Xavier was not a Goan by birth but became a Goan by heart: Most. Rev. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli

Herald TV

OldGoa: Goa was like a beacon of faith in the past, we have to be a beacon for all in India as St Francis Xavier who was not Goan by birth but became Goan by heart said Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli during the holy Eucharistic celebration at old Goa. While proclaiming the surmonn, Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli also said that he is overjoyed to be present in this historic Basilica to Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli also said that he is overjoyed to be present in this historic Basilica to celebrate the feast. He further spoke on the how Goans fondly call St Francis Xavier as Goencho Saib. 

The life of St Francis Xavier, a Catholic missionary, was devoted to preaching about Jesus Christ to masses around the world. He went from village to village in Southeastern India, spending most of his time among Paravas, a community of poor pearl fishers.

He later decided to go to China to continue missionary activities. However, he fell sick and died on his way there. Close to four centuries have passed since the venerated saint’s death. However, his remains, kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa in a silver casket in 1637, are believed to be in good condition even today. They are open for the public to view once every ten years.Every year, on the death anniversary of the saint, Christians from Goa and across the world hold a feast to honour his dedication towards preaching and the social work he undertook in Europe and Asia.

Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli said that Pope Francis noted the purpose of sending disciples to the villages is not to socialise or spend time together, but to proclaim the kingdom of God and this is urgent. It is also urgent today, not just during the time of St. Francis Xavier, but today.. there is no time to be lost in gossip, no need to wait for everyone's concern, what is necessary is to go out and proclaim.

Ending his sermon, Most. Rev. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli said that on this great solemnity, let us resolve to give Christ the centre place in our life and to obey God's command, to go forward and become disciples of all nations. May St Francis Xavier, patron of East Indies and St. Joseph Vaz, patron of Archdiocese, inspire you all to be faithful to the word of our Lord Jesus Christ.. and may God bless each and everyone of you..