With the ongoing 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, Goans are certainly getting close to the Saint as they visit the Se Cathedral for veneration as well as learning more about his life and works. One Goan who has been researching and writing about the saint is Panjim-based Patrick J Lobo, who released his third book, ‘Man of Miracles - St Francis Xavier’, a detailed account of the extraordinary miracles attributed to the revered saint. The book, which took two years of intense effort, builds upon Patrick’s extensive research and passion for documenting Goa’s rich historical and spiritual heritage.
Patrick had previously released a coffee table book, ‘Magnificent Monuments of Old Goa’ in 2004, when the exposition marked 450 years since the death of St Francis Xavier. He followed with his second book after a decade with ‘The Heroic St Francis Xavier’ which was released for the exposition in 2014. “The concept for this book started even earlier, but I worked very hard for two years to bring it to completion right in time for the exposition, which was my deadline,” says Patrick.
His groundwork included collecting rare manuscripts and materials from the Goa Archives two decades ago. “I had previously purchased the manuscripts and manuscript films too from Goa Archives when I was working on my first book on the monuments. That time, nearly 20 years back, it was little easier to access the material,” he explains. He usually photocopies the documents, binds it into a book to make it easier to go through the research materials for his writing process.
The book not only recounts documented miracles recognized during the canonization process but also explores lesser-known accounts preserved through oral traditions. “There are hundreds of miracles associated with St Francis Xavier. I’ve included the documented ones and some unique oral traditions. For instance, during the procession when St Francis Xavier’s body was being taken from Ribandar to St Paul’s College in Old Goa, people from across the state joined the procession. Many experienced miraculous healing but people who were also standing outside their homes and looking at the procession were also healed just as the procession passed by,” informs Patrick.
Some of the miracles in the book include the miraculous recovery of the Crucifix, the miracles at Travancore, the miracle at Comorin of the woman in labour for three days, miracles at Combutura of the boy who drowned in a well and the young girl who was brought back to life. One of the most important miracles was the preservation of the Saint’s body, where his casket was filled with quicklime so that the bones could be taken to India from Shangchuan Island, China. “My concentration was only on the miracles, but I can’t go directly to the miracles without giving the events that led to the miracles,” he explains.
Patrick’s narrative connects these miracles to the saint’s life and travels, weaving a seamless journey from Spain to Italy to Portugal to Goa and then across the coast of India to Shangchuan Island to Malacca, and ultimately to Goa. The pictures correspond to the chapters, making it easy for readers to follow the timeline of his life and the places he impacted.
The book also includes maps of Old Goa of that time and the coast of India to understand St Francis’ travels. Patrick’s commitment to accuracy and detail extends to visual elements in his work. Many of the images in the book were sourced from old manuscripts, online archives, and even personal purchases from private collectors. The book also has an amazing cover image depicting one of the saint’s miracles, as he is raising one man from the dead. This is a painting by Peter Paul Rubens, the most influential artist of the Flemish Baroque tradition. “This is a fantastic painting and since my book is on the miracles, I thought if it is in public domain, I will purchase higher resolution and I will use it in the cover,” says Patrick.
Patrick has kept the language straightforward with a flow of events. “I wanted even the youth to read and understand it,” he emphasizes. This approach ensures that the book serves not just as a historical and spiritual reference but also as an engaging story for readers of all ages.
Patrick is already working on two more books about Goa, promising to uncover even more facets of the state’s rich history. “There’s so much to explore and document but I didn’t get time to finish and publish it. I have already finished writing, but I must work on some photographs,” he says, reflecting his enduring passion for research and storytelling.
The book is currently available at Broadway Bookshop in Panjim, St Pauline’s in Panjim and at the Lighthouse in Margao. With ‘Man of Miracles - St Francis Xavier’, Patrick hopes readers can experience the
life and legacy of a saint who continues to inspire faith and wonder worldwide.