Venita Gomes
The Chapel of St Francis Xavier, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, holds historical significance as the place much frequented by the saint when in Goa.
The chapel is located inside the site of St Paul's College, of which only the façade remains today. It is believed that St Francis Xavier spent hours here in deep devotion.
Today, on the feast day (December 3, 2024) of St Francis Xavier, a Mass was celebrated in Latin in honour of the saint, recognising his tremendous missionary contributions.
As part of the 18th exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier, 59 Masses have been offered so far at the chapel.
These Masses were celebrated by bishops and priests from across the globe, including Brazil, the Czech Republic, Portugal, France, South Africa and Russia, besides various other countries.
Laity from various dioceses of India were in attendance. The Masses were held in multiple languages, such as Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, Kannada, Mangalorean Konkani, Gujarati and so on.
The water from a well near the chapel, which St Francis Xavier used, is deemed to be able to cure people. Pilgrims, especially ones with incurable ailments, drink the water in the hope of being healed.
St Francis Xavier is said to landed in Goa on December 6th. Therefore, on the 6th of every month, at 10 am, pilgrims, especially those seeking healing, gather at the chapel.