DABOLIM: Expressing his joy to be in Goa for the concluding ceremony of the XVII Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio on Saturday conveyed Pope Francis’ greetings to the people of Goa.
He was speaking to Herald after arriving at the Dabolim airport, where he was welcomed by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao, Fr Loiola Pereira, Exposition Commissioner Michael D’Souza and Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida.
“It is my joy to be in Goa for the closing ceremony of the Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier. Pope Francis has sent me to Goa on his behalf and that the Holy Father has wished the people of Goa,” said Archbishop Pennacchio.
Archbishop Ferrao added that Goa would celebrate another joyous moment after the Exposition, when Goa’s saintly son of the soil, Blessed Joseph Vaz will be canonized in Sri Lanka.
“It is a joyous moment not only for the people of Goa but for the people of the entire nation. A large number of Goans will be attending the canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz by the Holy Father in Sri Lanka,” said Archbishop Ferrao.
“I will also attend the canonisation ceremony on January 14, but will be back the next day to celebrate the feast of St Joseph Vaz on January 16, at the Sanctuary of St Joseph Vaz at Sancoale,” he added.
