FRAZER ANDRADE
frazerandrade@herald-goa.com
OLD GOA: The 18th decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier officially concluded at Old Goa, on Sunday, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, bringing to an end a 45-day spiritual event which drew hordes of devotees from across the globe.
The prayers within the Sé Cathedral commenced at 9 am, which were attended by select members of the clergy and others. These prayers ended with the solemn blessing by Auxiliary bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes followed by the chanting of the Salve Regina in Latin. Following the morning prayers, there were three groups of persons, each comprising of 12 members, chosen from among those who contributed towards the successful execution of the entire event, who exchanged turns in carrying the sacred relics from the transept of the Sé Cathedral, to its main door, where it was then placed onto the specially designed carriage.
A grand procession with the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier then commenced at 10.10 am with the singing of the hymn “San Francis Xaviera”. The event’s solemnity was further enhanced by a brass band comprising over 100 musicians, under the direction of Mestre Fr Simon D’Cunha.
Fr Henry Falcão, the convener of the Exposition Committee of the Archdiocese remarked, “The inclusion of a brass band was inspired by a prevalent tradition in many churches across Goa. During any celebration, especially a patron’s feast, a brass band always performs before and between masses, as well as after every procession. This longstanding tradition and cultural practice in Goa made it appropriate to feature a brass band for such a significant procession in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.”
During the procession, a human chain was formed by over 1,500 individuals. To express its gratitude, the Exposition Committee decided to include representatives from various groups, such as volunteers, police officers, security personnel, cleaning staff, medical teams, and others who contributed to the event’s success, alongside the priests, canons, choir members, seminarians, sisters and others in the procession.
Once the carriage reached the main door of the Basilica of Bom Jesus at 10.40 am, the relics were carried from the main door of the basilica and placed with high security within the Sacristy after 10.50 am by four groups each comprising 12 members. A soulful rendition of the hymn “São Francisco Xaviera” was sung by Sonia Shirsat, while the sacred relics were being placed within the sacristy of the Basilica.
This was followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration themed ‘Xubhvortomanacho sontos porgottum-ia, bhorvanxeachim yetrekaram zaum-ia,’ which translates to ‘Messengers of the joy of the gospel, pilgrims of hope’, at 11.05 am.
The mass began with the rendition of the Latin Christmas carol ‘Adeste Fidelis’ blended beautifully with its Konkani and English counterparts.
The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri António Sebastião do Rosário Cardinal Ferrão, was the main celebrant at the Holy Mass outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which witnessed the participation of over 400 priests. The magnificent choir at the mass was led by Mestre Avinash from Paroda.
During the Eucharist Archbishop in his homily, while explaining the theme “Messengers of the Joy of the Gospel, Pilgrims of Hope” spoke about three attitudes we can have in relation to Jesus.
He said, “First Attitude is like Herod the King who displays an attitude of anger and hostility towards Jesus. He asked the people to introspect if they have such a kind of attitude and reject Jesus because he challenges their ways and invites them to change their life.”
The Archbishop said, “Second attitude is that of Pharisees they showed an attitude of indifference towards Jesus and his teaching and were too much occupied by the rites and rituals rather than exemplary living. Finally the third attitude is that of wise men, who seek and discern and once they find Jesus they surrender their life to Jesus in adoring worship. This is what St Francis Xavier did; he surrendered and offered his life to the proclamation of the teachings and Good news of Jesus.”
“Jesus himself humbled himself and offered his life in Love and service to us all. St. Francis Xavier faced a lot of challenges too, like him we need to be zealous, selfless, and lead an exemplary life in union with Jesus”, the Archbishop exhorted.
The sacred relics were then placed onto the mausoleum in the presence of the administrative committee, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, the Rector of the Basilica de Bom Jesus and a few others.
Emphasising the procession’s significance, Fr Falcão said, “This time, we have placed considerable emphasis on the procession. The Eucharist represents the pinnacle of our faith, being a liturgical event, while the procession is classified as a paraliturgical event. However, we aimed to imbue this procession with a sense of solemnity, particularly as it is being observed globally.”
The inter-religious harmony in Goa was exemplified by the participation of representatives from different communities, who joined together in the procession to demonstrate the Church’s commitment to fostering dialogue and communal harmony.
Leading the procession were religious sisters, priests, seminarians, canons of the Cathedral chapter, and bishops, with the cardinal presiding over the event and positioned behind the carriage.
Over eight million devotees from all across the world attended the services held throughout the Exposition period of 45 days.
The 45-day Exposition, which included a variety of religious ceremonies, including Masses, prayer services, novenas and processions, has been a time of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration, highlighting the rich cultural and religious heritage of Goa.
In conformity with the 20th century practice, followed in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, of holding the Solemn Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier every 10 years, the XVIII Exposition of the Sacred Relics of “Gôycho Saib” began on November 21, 2024.
