Every year, people from far and near partake in a cherished tradition, converging on Old Goa for the feast of St. Francis Xavier, affectionately known as ‘Goycho Saib.’ This revered Spanish saint holds profound significance among diverse communities in the region.
The annual festivities, commencing with the maddi on November 24, lead up to the feast on December 4 this year, deviating from the saint’s death anniversary on December 3. The liturgical year begins on December 3, coinciding with the first Advent Sunday, as noted by Fr. Patricio Fernandes, the Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Adding depth to the Eucharistic celebrations is this year’s theme, ‘Like St. Francis Xavier, let us do what Jesus did.’ The main celebrant at the feast mass will be Bishop Rev Sebastiao Mascarenhas of Baroda. The feast day on December 4 includes masses starting at 3.45 am, continuing throughout the day in English and vernacular languages.
For the convenience of devotees, masses will be streamed online via the Basilica’s and the Archdiocese’s YouTube channels, as well as on Goan media channels. Beyond masses, the celebration encompasses daily adoration, intercessions, confessions, and the rosary.
St. Francis Xavier, a global spiritual guide, draws visitors to Old Goa year-round to pray at the mausoleum housing his sacred relics. The upcoming decennial exposition, from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025, will allow devotees to venerate the saint’s mortal remains. Plans for prayer services, adoration, pilgrimages, and cultural events, such as painting competitions and songs at the exposition, are underway.
As preparations unfold, Fr. Fernandes expresses optimism about parish pilgrimages and encourages creative contributions from tiatrists and others, adding a vibrant touch to the celebration of St. Francis Xavier in Goa. Anticipating a substantial turnout of people and devotees from various parts of the State and neighbouring States during the feast, which involves world heritage monuments, particularly Bom Jesus Basilica Church in Old Goa, where devotees will form queues to seek darshan of the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, attend masses, and participate in religious ceremonies.
Considering the importance of ensuring safety and security for both visitors/devotees and the world heritage monuments, the following advisory is issued to the general public:
1. All visitors/devotees attending the Feast of St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa must carry a valid Identity Card/ID proof for access to the Churches.
2. It is advised not to carry bags, handbags, or additional luggage while visiting the Churches.
3. In the event of any visitor/devotee noticing a suspicious object/person or any unusual activity in the Church premises or its surroundings during the feast, an immediate report should be made to the Old Goa Police Station/Police Out Post on the premises of Bom Jesus Basilica Church, or by dialling 100/112 for prompt police action or assistance.
