FRAZER ANDRADE
frazerandrade@herald-goa.com
OLD GOA: The sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier which are incorrupt after centuries, have been enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa. Pilgrims from around the world and country, from various faiths, have descended here to venerate his remains. The relics have been displayed for public viewing as part of the Exposition held in Goa, every 10 years since 1964.
Sushma Dingankar, a resident of Goregaon, Mumbai, expressed that she and her daughter have been attending the exposition of St Francis Xavier since 2014. She noted that this year, the arrangements for the visiting pilgrims have significantly improved.
“What we experienced today is something I have never encountered during my last visit in 2014. This year's exposition was truly remarkable. We are accommodated in the pilgrim homes, which are very pleasant and comfortable,” she said.
Sonia Nagarni from West Bengal shared that her attendance at the exposition was not planned, and she feels honored and privileged to have arrived in Goa during this event. “My holiday has unexpectedly transformed into a spiritually enriching experience, which brings me great joy. My stay in Goa is brief, and I am hopeful to have the opportunity to view the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier,” she said.
Yogesh, hailing from Mumbai, has returned to Goa for the exposition after a span of sixteen years. He remarked, “Attending the solemn high mass at the Basilica has profoundly allowed me to feel the surrounding positivity.”
Shakila Banu, a resident of Mangalore, Karnataka, expressed her profound faith in St Francis Xavier and Christ, despite being a devoted follower of the Quran.
“I have had a long-standing desire to visit the church dedicated to St Francis Xavier, but hesitated, uncertain about my acceptance here. This time, however, I resolved to make the visit, and to my delight, I found the congregation to be exceptionally welcoming. I felt a deep sense of fulfillment being present during the exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier,” Banu said.
John Manik Ranglong, hailing from Assam, is a member of a larger group under the leadership of Fr Christopher and came specifically to attend the Exposition.
“I felt exceptionally fortunate to participate in this sacred event. St Francis Xavier exemplifies a virtuous life, serving as a living model for all. Viewing the Saint's sacred relics was an exhilarating experience. St Francis Xavier exemplifies a virtuous life, serving as a living model for all,” Ranglong said
Yallamanni, hailing from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, expresses that this is his inaugural visit to the exposition, attributing his ability to attend to the blessings of St Francis Xavier.
“By the grace of God, I had the privilege of participating in the Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier. This marks my third visit to Old Goa and it is my first experience of an Exposition. Additionally, it was the inaugural occasion for my family and me to attend mass here,” Yallamanni said.
St Francis Xavier’s Exposition was not always held after 10 years. While the First Exposition was held in 1782, the second exposition was held after 77 years. It is only after Liberation of Goa that Expositions were held on a regular basis after 10 years.