PANJIM: Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s two-day visit to Goa concluded on Sunday. Before his departure, Souza visited Churches at Old Goa including Basilica of Bom Jesus (where the relics of St Francis Xavier are preserved), Institute Mater Dei Santa Monica, and the Christian Art Museum, situated at Santa Monica Church.
All the structures are part of the complex certified as world heritage monuments by UNESCO at Old Goa.
Fr Patricio Fernandes, Rector of Basilica, who accompanied the President of Portugal, thereafter told reporters that during his visit to Basilica, Sousa prayed to the relics of St Francis Xavier and went around seeing the building which was constructed in the year 1605.
“The President was impressed with the structure and spiritual aspect of the Basilica, which has been known for having healing powers. I also showed him the cascade which has the relics of St Francis Xavier,” he said. The relics of Spanish saint are revered across the world by faithful.
Sousa arrived in Goa on Saturday evening. Goa and Portugal later signed different Memorandum of Understanding in the field of water and sewerage augmentation, shipbuilding, education, marine and engineering.
Another agreement was signed in the field of tourism training between Turismo de Portugal and V M Salgaoncar Institute of International Hospitality Education.
