There is an attitudinal
change towards Covid-19. No
Problem! Most people feel secure because they are doubly vaccinated. Travel,
vacations, devotions are back to normal with SOPs. For the novena and feast of
Goemcho Saib 2021, mask compulsory, sanitization, social distancing, delayed
entry and exit, and half the usual capacity has been approved by the Government
of Goa through the North Collector. The” maddi” will commence the celebration
of the novena and feast of St. Francis Xavier after the Mass in the pandal at 6
pm on Nov 23. The novenas begin on Nov 24 through Dec 2, 2021. The feast day is
on Dec 3.
THE THEME; “STAY WITH US, LORD,” TO LIVE
COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION, MISSION LIKE ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, is the theme pervading the celebrations.
It is a synthesis of the pronouncement from Pope Francis (Patris Corde, Amoria
Laetitia Familia, Synodality), Archbishop Filip Neri Ferrao (pastoral letter),
conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and the 400 years of the sainthood of St.
Francis Xavier. The Konkani the theme is: “BHAG. FRANSISK XAVIERA BHAXEN, EKCHAR, SOHOBHAGELIPONN, MISANV
JIYEUNK, “AMCHE-XIM RAV… SOMIA,”
THE TIMINGS OF THE MASSES
There are ten Masses spaced out to an hour and a half each day
to implement the covid SOPs. During the novena days from 24 Nov through 2 Dec
the mass timings are: 5am, 6.30am, 8 am, 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm,
5pm and 6.15pm (English). On the feast day the masses will begin at: 3.30am,
5am, 6.30am, 8am, 10am – The Solemn Feast High Mass, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm, 5pm,
and 6.15pm (English).
All Masses will be live steamed on the YouTube channel of the
Basilica of Bom Jesus.
DEANERY AND LANGUAGE MASSES
In the schedule of the Masses during the novenas, space has been
created for participation of the faithful from all the parishes in the diocese
by allocating two masses, namely 8am and 9.30am for the deaneries except on 28
Nov. the first Sunday of Advent. All masses are in Konkani, unless specified.
DIOCESAN CENTERS THEMATIC ORIENTATION
Thereare severalcenters in the diocese who are responsible for
the various facets of the life in the Church. They have a specific role to play
and each center will give a particular orientation to the main theme of the
feast. Look at the flow of these sub-themes each dayculminating in the main
theme of the celebration on the feast day. The 3.30pm Mass is allocated to the
centers. “Stay with us, Lord…”
24 Nov: Bible Apostolate – DCBA, DCMA, DCE, PMO, BM: to share the heart burning experience
of St. Joseph through the word of God.
25 Nov: Faith Formation – DCC, DSE, ABE, IRD: to deepen our faith and evoke
it in others
26 Nov: Family & Sick – DFSC CCR, PT: to rediscover the treasures of
family love
27 Nov: Social Apostolate – CSJP, CARITAS-GOA: to instill hope in
migrants and discouraged persons
28 Nov: Liturgical Apostolate – DCL: to create a new humanity by
transcending all differences, in the breaking of bread
29 Nov: Lay Apostolate – DCLA, DCSCM, DPS: to bring anew those separated
from the catholic fold
30 Nov: Priests, & Religious, Brothers – COFP, DOPV, VCDC: to
inculcate new hope and direction to life
1 Dec: Youth Apostolate – DYC: to be protectors and stewards of God’s
creation
2 Dec: Consecrated Women – EV for REL, CRI, MATER DEI: to lovingly care
for those away from their homeland
FEAST DAY SOLEMN HIGH MASS
The solemn high mass on the feast day of St. Francis Xavier on 3
Decemberis at 10am. The president of the celebration is the Archbishop Filip
Neri Ferrao and emeritus Bishop Alex Dias alongside concelebrants, people,and
invitees.
Daily confessions available for the faithful throughout the day
from 24 Nov through 2 Dec. By registering themselves and keeping social
distance, thetraditional pilgrims who occupied the corridors can come and stay.
However, the overflow from the corridor will be accommodated in the pilgrims
tent in the South side of the Basilica. The pilgrims who walk from across the
boarders will occupy the pilgrim tent along with their organizers for the last
four days of the novena and feast of Goemcho Saib. This year on account of the
ban on fires and cooking, the pilgrims can avail themselves of food packages
from our canteen situated close to our Lady’s grotto.
Most
goans believe in the powerful intercessory and protective role of Goemcho Saib
in their lives and of Goa from calamity, disaster, sickness, and strife. For
nearly two years devotees of Goemcho Saib have not freely visited the shrine or
participated in the novena and feast, especially in the last year. But this
year, with the covid-19 SOPs especial arrangements are made to encourage the
faithful to safely come and pay their respects and offer thanksgiving prayers
for their protection, healings, favors, and safety granted to them. May all
receive blessings from this year’s novena and feast of Goemcho Saib.
