Fr Allan Tavares, a missionary priest of the Society of Pilar, has brought St Francis Xavier’s spiritual journey to life through two of his plays earlier. And ‘Xavier’s Mission China’, the third chapter in a trilogy of musicals, celebrates the life and spiritual quest of St Francis Xavier during his missionary works in China.
Set against the backdrop of the Solemn Exposition of the relics of ‘Goemcho Saib’ in 2024, ‘the musical ‘Xavier’s Mission China’ offers a powerful portrayal of faith and devotion and aims to inspire pilgrims to carry forward the saint’s devotion.
In 2014, Fr Allan Tavares was back to Goa from the missions of Arunachal Pradesh and along with his students from Arunachal Pradesh and students from Rosary College, the musical ‘Xavier’s Mission Japan’ was presented at the 17th Exposition of
the sacred relics of
St Francis Xavier.
Now in 2024, while serving the mission of Del Rio in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas, he is gearing up along with the troupe of 2004 and 2014
to stage the last of the trilogy ‘Xavier’s Mission China’ for the pilgrims at the 18th Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier.
Produced by Shubhsandesh Gospel Echoes troupe in collaboration with Handmaids of Christ and directed by Fr Allan Tavares, this production delves into Xavier’s last voyage from Malacca aboard the ship Santa Croce, focusing on his burning desire to reach China.
“Drawing from extensive research and Xavier’s own letters,” informed Fr Allan, “the musical sheds light on lesser-known aspects of his time in Malacca and his enduring determination to spread the Gospel.” “It aims to inspire the pilgrims with its blend of historical insights, vibrant performances and a message of unwavering dedication to a divine mission,” he adds.
Fr Allan said, “The musical not only pays homage to a saint’s legacy, but also serves as a testament to the missionary spirit that transcends borders and cultures, inviting audiences to reflect on their own spiritual journeys.” Expressing gratitude to God for St Francis Xavier, he said the Spaniard missionary was simply in love with God and traversed miles to share his inspiration with the world.
The new musical has artistes from Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa as well as from the USA. The music arrangement is by Rabin D’Pietro and Rio Fernandes and choreography by Josinho Fernandes and Lemtam Mossang.
The operetta will be staged at three different venues free of cost, namely November 30 at Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem, December 2 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao and December 3 at Sala de Nossa Senhora de Piedade, Candolim.
Fr Allan ' earlier productions include ‘Francis, a Man in a Hurry’ (2004), ‘Francis on a Mission: Mission Japan’ (2014). The first play depicted Xavier’s voyage from Europe to Goa, while the sequel traced his path from Malacca to Japan, both offering audiences a profound glimpse into his missionary spirit.