FREDDY FERNANDES
freddy@herald-goa.com
OLD GOA: Though the arrival of St Francis Xavier to Goa, when he took the first step on the sacred shores of Goa on May 6, 1542 may not have been a grand occasion, in 2024 the grand anticipation and devout prayerful preparations of the devotees will culminate in the feast of St Francis Xavier today, December 3. This year the feast which occurs during the XVIII Exposition, is going to be a spectacular spiritual event.
In retrospect, that one step of St Francis Xavier and his bringing the faith to Goans, forever changed the course of history and of our lives. That life changing history of 482 years will be remembered and celebrated when the delegate from the Vatican, Cardinal Luis Antonio G Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation in Rome, will celebrate the solemn Concelebrated Feast Mass at the feast of St Francis Xavier at 10.30 am.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao and other Bishops and priests will join him at the Holy Eucharist and break the Bread, as Jesus Christ did over 2,000 years ago.
The Exposition opened for devotees on November 21. The great build up to the feast of the Royal of Navarre Spain who landed in Goa, began with a nine-day Novena where lakhs of pilgrims and devotees participated. Pilgrims including Goans, have come from all over the world, from many parts of India and there have been many who have come on a walking pilgrimage from neighbouring States, given their great faith in the intercession of St Francis Xavier, one of the most revered saints of the Catholic Church.
The mass timings for the feast of St Francis Xavier in Old Goa, are: Morning: 3:45 am, 5 am, 6 am, 7.15 am, 8.30 am, 10.30 am (High mass in English). Afternoon/evening masses will be at: 12.15 pm, 3.30 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, and 6.15 pm (English). The Veneration of the Holy relics of St Francis Xavier will continue at the Se Cathedral as usual from 7 am to 6 pm.
Joao Tavares, from Ilha de Rachol, said, “I am not well. Otherwise I would stay at Old Goa and participate in the novena. I have been coming here for the last 64 years. I learnt the devotion of St Francis Xavier, in my mother’s lap. She used to bring me to this sacred place since I was a kid. Even though I am not well, I have received the strength to come here. I will attend the feast mass at 5 am and then leave by 10 am.”
Esperanca Colaco of Verna, recalled, “ The novena and feast are not as of old. Today there are lakhs of people visiting and everything is spic and span. Earlier during the novenas we used to sleep in the Basilica itself. Now they have prepared a large tent for us near the Se Cathedral. I have prayed for good health. Now we are all gone old. I am 73 years old. I pray for Goa and for all the aged generation.”
A devotee from Seraulim said, “I have great faith in St Francis Xavier. I am praying for my brother Cathy who has been missing from Cortalim for many years.” With a choked voice she said, “If he is anywhere, may St Francis Xavier find him for us. It has been one and a half year now.”
“We are not interested in buying grams or visiting the fair, without seeing the body of St Francis Xavier, we are not satisfied. We see God through him. We feel that even in our old age we will enjoy good health. He is our beloved Goencho Saib,” another devotee said. “We have lot of faith in his intercession. He protects us,” she added.
Freddy, narrated that he is working as a volunteer at Old Goa for 13 years. “This is my second exposition. Between 2014 and 2024 there have been many changes. This year there are good facilities. The government has made good arrangements. People have come to pray with lots of prayers on their lips. I am praying that all the faithful who have come here and prayed, may all their prayers and dreams be fulfilled. I wish everyone a Happy Feast.”
CM extends feast greetings
PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has extended his best wishes to devotees and pilgrims on the occasion of the decennial Exposition of the relics and the feast of St Francis Xavier.
In his message, he said, “We are fortunate to witness this practice of the decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier. This Solemn Exposition held every 10 years is an opportunity to introspect on the teachings of the Saint and an occasion of spiritual renewal and also a time to rekindle in the hearts of the laity the desire to be the messenger of the Good News.”CM extends feast greetings
PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has extended his best wishes to devotees and pilgrims on the occasion of the decennial Exposition of the relics and the feast of St Francis Xavier.
In his message, he said, “We are fortunate to witness this practice of the decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier. This Solemn Exposition held every 10 years is an opportunity to introspect on the teachings of the Saint and an occasion of spiritual renewal and also a time to rekindle in the hearts of the laity the desire to be the messenger of the Good News.”