PANJIM: Pilgrims from India and all over the World will converge on Old Goa to experience the life of one of the extraordinary saints of the Catholic Church and have a glimpse of the beloved Goencho Saib, who professed relentless dedication and performed miracles due to his tremendous faith in Jesus Christ. As one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus, his legacy is etched in the hearts of millions across continents.
The solemn opening of the 18th Exposition of the holy relics of St Francis Xavier will begin on November 21, 2024. The solemn Holy Eucharist will be concelebrated by Archbishop Fiipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao and other Bishops at 9:30 am, at Bom Jesus Basilica, Old Goa. This will be followed by the procession carrying the Sacred Relics from the Basilica to the Se Cathedral. The casket containing the relics will be carried in a specially designed 14 seater e-vehicle to support 4000 kg weight.
After the body is placed in the Se Cathedral, former seat of the Bishop and the venue of the Exposition, the relics of the Saint will be venerated by the clergy. However, on the opening day the veneration for the pilgrims and devotees will begin after 1 pm only. On other days the veneration of the Sacred Relics of the Saint will be from 7 am to 6 pm. There will be no veneration on 5th January 2025.
The Sacred Body of St Francis Xavier kept in the church of St Paul. A painting by Andre Reinoso, Museum of St Roque, Lisboa
( Photo Courtesy: Man of Miracles, St Francis Xavier by Patrick J Lobo)
Everyday, there will be seven Masses in Konkani and one Mass in English. The timings of the masses will be as follows: 6 am, 7.15 am, 8.30 am, 9.45 am, 11am, 3.30 pm, 5 pm in Konkani and 6.15 pm (In English)
The Concelebrated Mass, and the procession to the Se Cathedral will be telecast live on Herald TV. The 5pm Konkani Mass will also be telecast live on Herald TV during the Exposition.
The Theme chosen for the Solemn Exposition is, “Xubhvortomanache Porgottnnar ami”, “We are Messengers of the Good News”.
A special Logo has been designed for the event. The Theme and the Logo focus on the responsibility of every Christian in spreading the message of Love, Hope and Peace to the four corners of the world. A special “Prayer”, to be prayed every day by individuals, by families in their homes, in Churches, Chapels, Small Christian Communities, etc., has been prepared
An Art Exhibition on St. Francis Xavier has been put up during the Exposition, Prominent artists from Goa and India have contribute to the exhibition. A Souvenir in the form of a Book, on the life story of St. Francis Xavier, as depicted beautifully on the Silver Casket in which the Sacred Relics of the Saint are kept, will be released on the occasion of the Exposition.
On the eve of the Exposition, on November 20th, 2024, another book “Man of Miracles, St Francis Xavier” by Patrick Lobo will be released by Fr Henry Falcao
The book Man of Miracles, St Francis Xavier by Patrick J Lobo will be released on the eve of the Exposition, at Old Goa
On the eve of the Exposition, on November 20th, 2024, another book “Man of Miracles, St Francis Xavier” by Patrick Lobo will be released by Fr Henry Falcao, Convenor of the Exposition Committee, at the Convent of St John of God, next to St Augustine Tower, at the “Footprints of Hope,” Exhibition is going on.
This exposition a special pilgrim village has been erected behind the St Augustine tower, by the Goa Diocese, where pilgrims can stay free of charge. They will however have to pay a nominal charge for the food.
Wheelchair facility will be available at the gate in front of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi for the infirm and the senior citizens who are unable to walk.
Normally, weekends, novena days and feast day (24th November to 3rd December), holidays, there can be more people.
The Novenas for the Feast of St Francis Xavier will begin on November 24 and the Feast will be celebrated on December 3, the day of death, while on his way to China.
St. Francis Xavier was canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622, alongside his friend Ignatius of Loyola
Normally, weekends, novena days and feast day (24th November to 3rd December), holidays, there can be more people.
The Novenas for the Feast of St Francis Xavier will begin on November 24 and the Feast will be celebrated on December 3, the day of death, while on his way to China.
St. Francis Xavier was canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622, alongside his friend Ignatius of Loyola
The dos and donts for the Exposition are as follows
· Devotees and tourists are requested to dress modestly.
· Standing in the queue is part of the pilgrimage. Please do it in a prayerful manner and with a spirit of penance. Avoid the temptation of skipping the queue.
· Do not carry baggage/s while coming for the veneration.
· Photography inside the veneration area (Cathedral) is not permitted.
· Kindly switch off mobile phone during Mass and before entering the veneration area.
· Water bottles and liquids will not be allowed inside the veneration area.
· Avoid coming to Old Goa with Gold ornaments and other precious things.
· Take care of your belongings at all times
