Team Herald
MARGAO: The decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier has prompted a massive homecoming among Goans working abroad, who are travelling from distant lands to partake in this deeply revered event.
Many Goans residing in Europe, UK and the Gulf have already arrived, while others are set to follow. For these expatriates, the Exposition holds profound spiritual significance, compelling them to return despite the challenges of cost and distance.
Thousands of Goans live and work abroad to support their families. Yet, this sacred event has inspired many to prioritise returning to their hometowns to experience the Exposition to venerate Goa’s patron saint from up close, considered a rare privilege.
Soccoro Quadros, 75, who has been living in London, shared his plans to return to Goa with his family specifically for the exposition
We don’t want to miss this opportunity at any cost. My son, who has been working in London for 20 years, will also be coming home for this event
Soccoro Quadros
Macklon Fernandes, a young man from Salcete, expressed his excitement about attending the Exposition
My wife and I have planned our holidays around this event. We booked our tickets at our own expense; we did not wait for the company to purchase them because witnessing the exposition of Goycho Saib is invaluable to us
Macklon Fernandes
Christopher Fernandes, a Goan based in Kuwait, who has already arrived, is participating in the Exposition for the third time
I’ve never missed the Exposition and don’t intend to, as long as I live. I’m a devotee of Goycho Saib,
Christopher Fernandes
Christopher also mentioned that friends from different communities will join him in Old Goa, showcasing the event’s unifying spiritual appeal.