Francis Xavier was beatified by Pope Paul V on October 25, 1619, and subsequently canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. In 1624, he was designated as co-patron of Navarre. In Goa, he is honored with the titles ‘Goencho Saib,’ meaning the master or protector of Goa, and ‘Poddeacho dhoni,’ which translates to the master of daily bread for all.
In this example, Saint Francis Xavier is depicted in his customary garments, which include a surplice and a stole draped over his cassock. Such images were produced in metal, possibly an alloy of zinc and lead, by ZAR & Co. in Bombay for the 1931 exposition dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier, which took place in Goa, India.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The saint is depicted standing on a pedestal that features an inscription in English on the front, stating, ‘St. FRANCIS XAVIER 1931 EXPOSITION.’
