Let’s delve into why St. Francis Xavier is referred to as the ‘Sāib of Goa’ or ‘Gôencho sāib’. The story goes back to the 17th century…
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The improbable victory of the Portuguese troops against the Marathas in 1683 was attributed to the intercession of Francis Xavier. At this time, Sambhaji, the valiant Maratha king who tried to beat the pants off the Portuguese, invaded the islet of Santo Estêvão and was within hand shaking distance from Old Goa. The Portuguese would have met their Waterloo if he had invaded Old Goa, at that point. Fearing the Maratha attack, the helpless Governor D. Francisco de Távora placed his staff at the side of the saint praying for his aid in defending Goa, no matter what!! At that very moment, the Mughals, led by Aurangzeb, invaded large parts of Maharashtra and thus, Sambhaji had to withdraw, so as to defend Maharashtra and hence Old Goa was saved from the Maratha attack.
