PANJIM: This year, the feast of St Francis Xavier will be celebrated on December 4, Monday, as against the traditional date of December 3.

“Since the feast of St Francis Xavier comes during the season of advent, which is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for Christmas, the feasts of Saints are not celebrated on Sundays,” Fr Alfred Vaz, who was convenor for decennial exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier in 2014, told the media.

He said that December 3 is a Sunday this year, and that day is dedicated only to the services of Lord Jesus during Advent. “We have an option to observe the feast either a day in advance or a day later if it comes on Sunday. That is why it has been decided that the feast would be held on December 4,” Vaz said.

The feast of St Francis Xavier is one of the most important of religious events in Goa and draws thousands of people who even come from across India and other countries including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, USA and UK.

Goans, irrespective of caste and creed, converge at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the Sacred Relics of St Xavier. The saint was affectionately called Goencho Saib. 

Saint Xavier was born in Spain in 1506 and devoted his life to religion and the service of the poor and the downtrodden.