FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2024
Team Herald
OLD GOA: Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli on Saturday said St Francis Xavier was not a Goan by birth but became a Goan by heart, who proclaimed the kingdom of God.
In his homily during the feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa, Girelli urged Christians to proclaim the Gospel values to the world, to share the joy with others and called upon them to give Christ the central place in their lives.
He called for radiating Christian values to the World and expressed happiness that people, irrespective of caste, creed and religion visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus to seek God’s protection and grace through his intercession.
The Apostolic Nuncio envisaged that St Francis Xavier filled by the experience of Christ, came to give that same experience of God and it was this Saintly priest, who walked on the streets of Old Goa, giving solace to so many persons and imparting in them the good values of the Kingdom of God.
He said St Francis Xavier noted that the purpose of sending disciples to the villages was not to socialise and spend time together, but to proclaim the kingdom of God, and it is still urgent today as there is no time to be lost in gossip and no need to wait for everyone’s consensus. What is necessary is to go out and proclaim the good news.
“On this solemnity, let us resolve to give Christ the central place in our lives and to obey His command to go forth and make disciples of all nations,” Girelli said.
Earlier, His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao welcomed the Apostolic Nuncio and expressed his joy that he accepted his invitation to celebrate the feast mass of St Francis Xavier.
He also welcomed the gathering comprising priests, faithful, and people coming on walking pilgrimages from across Goa and neighbouring States.
Later, Fr Patricio Fernandes, Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica thanked all who supported and helped in organising the novena and the feast.
