TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
OLD GOA: Describing St Francis Xavier as a man on a mission, Bishop of Karwar Derrick Fernandes on Tuesday exhorted the Catholic community to exercise its duty as baptized Christians to spread the love, joy, justice and peace of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Fernandes was delivering the homily at the feast of St Francis Xavier, popularly known as ‘Goemcho Saib’, which was celebrated with great religious fervour at Old Goa with tens of thousands of people participating in the feast masses, which began as early as 4 am.
The feast mass was celebrated at 10.30 am with Bishop Fernandes being the main celebrant, while Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop Blasco Colaco and Archbishop Emeritus Raul Gonsalves and a large number of priests from across the State were the co-celebrants.
Delivering his homily, Bishop Fernandes said St Francis Xavier travelled to various parts of the world, including India, to spread the word of Jesus.
“He came to India not knowing what was in store for him, but he had faith and belief in Jesus and he surrendered to his will,” said Bishop Fernandes.
“Seeking to spread the good news, St Francis proceeded on a voyage to China, but his mission was compromised because of hatred between two people. This hatred resulted in St Francis leaving alone on his voyage to China, where he died a lonely death on December 3, 1552, on an island close to China,” he said.
“There were only four people – a Chinese, a Portuguese and two slaves – who were present at the burial of St Francis Xavier the next day. Similar was the case with Jesus Christ, who was crucified on the cross because of the hatred among the people and he too died a lonely death as there were only a few people besides Jesus at the time of his death,” said Bishop Fernandes and urged the devotees to give up hatred as it would lead people away from Jesus.
“Today, thousands of us have become Christians and have come to experience Jesus because of St Francis Xavier. So, we should spread the good news of Jesus just like St Francis did, otherwise we are unbecoming as Christians,” Reverend Fernandes stated.
“Today, on this festive occasion let us resolve to carry on the task of proclaiming the word of Jesus to the world. We are all called upon to spread love, joy, justice and peace of Christ because it is our duty as baptized Christians,” exhorted Bishop Fernandes.
Among those attending the church services included Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado, St Andre MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh, Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai, Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, BJP leader Dr Wilfred Mesquita, former MLA Francis Silveira and other dignitaries.
Earlier, Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao welcomed the archbishops, Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo, ministers, MLAs, government officials and other dignitaries. He also extended a warm welcome to devotees, including those from Sindhudurg, Belgaum and Kolhapur who walked to Old Goa.
Rector of Basilica Fr Savio Barretto later thanked the church and civic leaders for their support in the smooth organization of the novenas and the feast of St Francis Xavier.
Seeking to spread the good news, St Francis proceeded to China, but his mission was compromised because of hatred between two people. This hatred resulted in St Francis leaving alone on his voyage to China, where he died a lonely death on December 3, 1552, on an island close to China, said Bishop
