Exposition of sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier begins in Goa today

Panaji: The 45-day decennial exposition of the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier commenced in Goa on Thursday, with a holy Eucharist ceremony held in the morning. The event, expected to attract over 80 lakh pilgrims and tourists, is a significant occasion for the Catholic community, with St. Xavier being revered as the patron saint of Goa.

Thousands of devotees gathered in Old Goa as the holy relics were processed from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the St. Cathedral in a specially designed electric vehicle. The procession was accompanied by the clergy and representatives from various sectors of society.

The holy Eucharist ceremony was attended by a prominent gathering, including a cardinal, four archbishops, bishops, and over 400 priests. Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto served as the main celebrant. Among the attendees were Bishop of Daltonganj Theodore Mascarenhas, Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias, Bishop of Port Blair Selvaraj, and Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filip Neri Cardinal Ferrao, along with the Superior General of the Pilar Fathers.

To ensure security, around 1,000 youths formed human chains on both sides of the procession route. Goa's Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant offered their prayers at the relics before the religious ceremonies began.

Fr. Henry Falcao, convenor of the exposition, announced that the veneration of the sacred relics at the St. Cathedral will be held daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. until January 4, 2025. However, there will be no veneration on January 5, 2025. Seven masses in Konkani and one in English will be celebrated each day during the exposition.

With PTI inputs