Amidst the ancient walls of Old Goa, devotees of varied ages and backgrounds converged to partake in the time-honored celebration of St. Francis Xavier’s feast. This enduring tradition, ingrained for generations, witnessed an outpouring of faith and reverence from pilgrims spanning different walks of life.
Rhea Pires, a native of Navelim, reminisced about her familial ties to this annual event, recounting her visits since childhood. “My unwavering faith in him has been rewarded countless times. After the mass, my family and I soak in the festive aura, grateful for answered prayers,” she shared.
Inacio Noronha from Margao echoed the sentiment of St. Francis’s selfless mission, emphasizing the saint’s abandonment of wealth and home to spread God’s teachings. “We return each year to honor his legacy. Emulating his selflessness is crucial; he sacrificed everything for Jesus,” Noronha remarked, expressing the joy of being in Old Goa.
For some, this pilgrimage extends beyond the feast day itself. Augusto Rodrigues from Ponda revealed a yearly routine of staying in Old Goa throughout the novena, highlighting the accommodations, food, and conducive environment for prayer. “With unwavering faith in St. Francis, our prayers find fulfillment,” Rodrigues affirmed.
Yoann Dias from Navelim spoke of a tradition ingrained by parents, associating St. Francis with the family’s tailoring profession, signifying the saint’s influence in various aspects of life.
Not limited to local faithful, Preston Fernandes from Vengurla, Maharashtra, shared his irregular visits due to distance but emphasized the tranquility and peace experienced in Old Goa. “Though I can’t make it annually, I ensure a pilgrimage whenever possible. The serene atmosphere draws us in. Many from Vengurla undertake the journey on foot to partake in prayers and the feast mass,” Fernandes remarked.
