In late November, Goan families partake in a cherished tradition, visiting Old Goa for the novenas of St. Francis Xavier, affectionately known as 'Goycho Saib.' This revered Spanish saint holds profound significance among diverse communities in the region.
The annual festivities, commencing with the maddi on November 24, lead up to the feast on December 4 this year, deviating from the saint's death anniversary on December 3. The liturgical year begins on December 3, coinciding with the first Advent Sunday, noted Fr. Patricio Fernandes, the Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
This year's theme, 'Like St. Francis Xavier, let us do what Jesus did,' adds depth to the Eucharistic celebrations. The main celebrant at the feast mass will be Bishop Rev Sebastiao Mascarenhas of Baroda.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus will host eight masses on the novena day, with a special feature this year — four deaneries allocated masses on a single day. To manage the large gatherings, categories A, B, and C have been introduced.
Novenas kick off on November 25, featuring daily masses with a 15-minute interval. The feast day on December 4 includes masses starting at 3.45am, continuing throughout the day in English and vernacular languages.
Masses will be streamed online via the Basilica's and the Archdiocese's YouTube channels, as well as on Goan media channels. Beyond masses, the celebration encompasses daily adoration, intercessions, confessions, and the rosary.
St. Francis Xavier, a global spiritual guide, draws visitors to Old Goa year-round to pray at the mausoleum housing his sacred relics. The upcoming decennial exposition, from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025, will allow devotees to venerate the saint's mortal remains. Plans for prayer services, adoration, pilgrimages, and cultural events, such as painting competitions and songs on the exposition, are underway.
As preparations unfold, Fr. Fernandes expresses optimism about parish pilgrimages and encourages creative contributions from tiatrists and others, adding a vibrant touch to the celebration of St. Francis Xavier in Goa.