Team Herald
OLD GOA: The sacred relics of St Francis Xavier, preserved for centuries within the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, continue to draw adorers from across the globe. This year, many have spoken about the choir’s amazing performance and the remarkable hospitality at the Feast.
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For many devotees, attending the feast is a long-standing tradition. Santoshi Naik from Goregaon, Maharashtra, who has been visiting with her daughter since 2003, noted significant improvements in arrangements this year. “What we experienced today is something I did not encounter during the last Exposition in 2014. This year’s Exposition was truly remarkable,” she said, adding that they were enjoying the comfortable accommodation at the Pilgrim Homes.
Sonia Fernandes from Mangalore shared how her brief holiday turned into a deeply spiritual journey. “It’s an honour to be in Goa for the feast of St Francis. My visit to Goa is brief and I hope to view the sacred relics, which would complete this spiritually enriching experience,” she remarked.
After a 16-year gap, Yogesh Nagvekar from Karwar returned to attend the Exposition and was moved by the solemnity of the high Mass. “The profound positivity here is overwhelming. The choir’s performance was simply amazing,” he said.
The saint’s universal appeal was evident in the presence of adorers like Mufeed Bhanu from Mangalore, a follower of the Quran, who expressed his faith in St Francis Xavier and Christ. He shared his long-standing desire to visit the Basilica housing the sacred relics of St Francis but said he had previously hesitated, uncertain about his acceptance there. “This time, however, I resolved to make the visit, and I found the congregation to be exceptionally welcoming. I felt a deep sense of fulfilment being present during the opening of the Exposition and watching the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier emerging from the church,” said Mufeed.
Anthony Mary, visiting from Karnataka with her family, has made the pilgrimage to Old Goa for over a decade, crediting St Francis Xavier with numerous miracles. She praised the choir’s renditions of “Gloria” and “São Francisco Xaviera” during the high Mass, describing the experience as “sumadhuragaiana,” a Kannada term for mellifluous.
The 18th Exposition has also drawn first-time visitors. Appachu from Coorg expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend. “This is my third visit to Old Goa, and my first experience of an Exposition. Additionally, it is the first opportunity for my family and me to attend Mass here,” he said.
Similarly, Anthony from Kanyakumari, staying at the Pilgrim Village, spoke of his joy at paying respects to St Francis Xavier. “The choir’s performance elevated the spiritual atmosphere. It is a blessing to be here,” he remarked.
While some have noted a gradual decline in numbers of adorers over the years, the faithful return year after year, reaffirming their devotion to the saint revered as the “Apostle of the Indies.”
