Fervently whispered prayers, soulful rendering of hymns, rosaries clutched tightly and tears in the eyes of the pilgrims were scenes that accompanied the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, as they vended their way from the Se Cathedral to the Basilica of Bom Jesus on Sunday, January 5.
For 45 days, starting November 21, 2024, Old Goa has witnessed a celebration of faith, as thousands of pilgrims and faithful made their way to venerate the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier at the 18th decennial exposition in Goa.
On Sunday, the air was heavy with emotion. As early as 9 am the faithful had begun to gather at Old Goa to be part of the solemn moment.
Ahead of the ceremonial procession, the prayer service resounded through the walls of the Se Cathedral. Despite the growing heat, those gathered outside, eagerly awaited a glimpse of their Goycho Saib. And they were not denied.
THE JOURNEY TO THE BASILICA
Joining hands, youngsters from across the State lined the path along which the Scared Relics of the Saint were returned to his resting place, the Basilica of Bom Jesus. In the procession were those who rendered their services throughout the duration of the exposition, the brass band, clergy and other religious members.
With their eyes fixed on the casket atop the special e-vehicle, devotees whispered prayers and sought blessings. Some had tears in their eyes, while others raised their rosary clad hands in a prayerful manner as the relics slowly made the short journey. San Francis Xavier Wodak Tum Pav sung by Sonia Shirsat created a revered ambience.
THE CLOSING MASS
The solemn procession that began at around 10 am was followed by the Eucharist celebrated by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Auxilary Bishop Simiao Fernandes and other priests.
The concluding day of the exposition also coincided with the feast of the Epiphany. During his homily, Cardinal Ferrão said, “We can have the attitude like the three wise man who followed the star, facing every challenge and difficulty, to find and experience Jesus. They worshiped him and surrendered their lives to Jesus. The Magi showed an attitude of surrender and this is something St Francis Xavier did too.”
HEARTFELT GRATITUDE
The 45-day event was not easy to manage. A special Exposition Committee was formed to oversee the planning and maintain the sanctity of the occasion.
Right from the opening day on November 21, there were provisions made to assist pilgrims and nearly 80 lakh devotees are believed to have venerated the relics of St Francis Xavier. The number of pilgrims was such that in the last few days, the veneration timings were extended to accommodate the increasing flow.
Concurring with what Cardinal Ferrão said, Fr Henry Falcao, Exposition Committee convenor, reinforced that while the exposition has ended, the spiritual journey will continue. “We are pilgrims of hope,” he said. Along with Fr Patricio Fernandes, the rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, he thanked each one for making the event a success.
45-DAY DIVINE ODESSEY
For the first time, the holy relics were transported in a beautifully adorned e-vehicle, instead of the tradition of being carried on the shoulders of devotees, and the entrance of Se Cathedral was made the entry point for the veneration.
Further, an Operetta on the life of St Francis Xavier, attractions like the 3D projection mapping on the walls of the Se Cathedral and a performance by the renowned Shillong Chamber Choir added to the event’s grandeur.
CHERISHED MOMENTS
Wearing scarves and badges, Cheryl Siqueira and Meghan Siqueira from Calangute were clicking selfies capturing memories of the day.
“I was a kid last time when the exposition took place. Today, being part of the human chain, was a very spiritual and special experience. I am really feeling good. We reached here around 8.30-8.45 am and collected the scarves and badges, and were guided to stand along the path. We then partook in the mass. It was a very meaningful experience,” Cheryl shared.
Just like these youth, many others made it a point to attend the final day of the exposition, filling the entire pandal in front of the basilica.
As the concluding hymn was sung, some picked up flowers from the carriage that had just transported the Sacred Relics holding on to a tangible connection to the sacred occasion until next time.