Team Herald
PANJIM: After a gap of a year, physical novena masses for the feast of St Francis Xavier will be held at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, which can be attended by the faithful. The recent SOPs of the State government allow the novena masses to be held.
Last year, novena masses were held in virtual mode due to the Covid pandemic, with different online masses for the deaneries, religious and language groups.
This was a major break from tradition that would see thousands of people at all times of the day at Old Goa for the novena masses.
Speaking to Herald, Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes confirmed that physical masses will be held with certain conditions. He added that details would be revealed after deliberations on the final plans.
“We have had meetings with the government and then the Basilica Committee held a meeting at the Bishop’s House with the Archbishop. We have got
the permission to go ahead and have the masses outside. We will be following all the SOPs such as wearing of masks, using sanitizers, maintaining social distancing and delayed movement of the crowd,” Fernandes said.
There are also limitations regarding the capacity of the crowd where only 50 per cent will be allowed.
A smaller committee will deliberate following which, the plans for the novenas will be revealed to the public.
Arrangements are also being made for people to stay in the corridors as they usually do.
Speaking further, he acknowledged that having the novena masses in physical mode again would be of immense value to the public at large.
“We are happy to have the novena masses outside. It is good for the faithful to come and so many of them wanted to do so. These masses have been held outside since the mid 1970s and it is of great importance to the people,” Fernandes said.
People of different age groups and backgrounds would attend these novenas and feast mass every year with their families to offer their respects to the sacred relics of the Saint that is preserved at the Basilica.
