Nothing can prevent those of fervent faith from venerating that which they revere. In the case of those who hold St Francis Xavier close to their hearts, this time of the exposition of his sacred relics is all the more a special occasion, not to be missed at any cost.
To the extent that not even having to use a wheelchair could prove an obstacle to 40-year-old Nirmala Malana. The devotee has been very excited to come to Goa for her third exposition.
Travelling from Daman, she ensured that her train tickets were booked and confirmed and arrived in Goa a few days before the exposition Mass.
“I didn’t want to miss the exposition Mass at any cost. I have very strong faith in St Francis Xavier, and this is my third exposition,” says Nirmala. In Daman, her parish church is also dedicated to St Francis Xavier, and she always felt a connection with the saint.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus witnessed thousands of pilgrims like Nirmala, who returned to Old Goa with faith and devotion. The holy Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Anil Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, at the Basilica of Bom Jesus and was joined by over hundred priests and bishops.
The theme of the celebration was “We are Messengers of the Good News”, and Archbishop Anil Couto in his sermon focused on the life of St Francis Xavier, appealing to devotees to be the light and walk on the path led by St Francis Xavier.
Another very interesting aspect at the Eucharistic celebration was the sign language interpreter on stage. This was meant to be a gesture of inclusivity towards persons with speech and hearing disability.
Among the crowd was a pilgrim group of around 40 members who travelled from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially for the exposition inaugural today.
“We are dressed up in our traditional costumes, which are made by the aborigine communities. Goa has so much more than just beaches – the people are so generous and kind. We came to Goa almost 1 week ago and have travelled to many churches in the south and north of Goa. The architecture is very interesting too,” said Sunil Minch, who revealed that majority in the group are women.
The choir that sang at the 18th inaugural exposition mass was conducted by Fr Romero Monteiro and led the devotees into a prayerful demeanour. In a unique feature, a human chain was made at the end of the solemn celebration.
With over 1,400 volunteers, all dressed in white shirts/blouses and black trousers/skirts – the entire route from the main gate to the Se Cathedral was sealed.
The choir that sang at the 18th inaugural exposition mass was conducted by Fr Romero Monteiro and led the devotees into a prayerful demeanour.
The casket with the relics of St Francis Xavier was carried by police officials and placed on a specially designed electric carriage and taken in a solemn procession. The 45-minute-long procession commenced with different Catholic groups and deaneries of Goa walking from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to Se Cathedral.
The solemn procession was followed by over 500 nuns and over 700 priests, including bishops. The children were dressed as angels, tossing petals as a floral tribute and paving the way for the relics.
Adding a solemn and a musical touch, a brass band with over a hundred musicians tailed the e-carriage from the start at the Basilica to when it reached the entrance of Se Cathedral.
Despite the heat in the afternoon, the religious ceremony made devotees shed a tear as they became nostalgic. Milagrina Fernandes from Margao said that the music and seeing the relics of St Francis Xavier up front made her think of all the fond memories of the past, and so she decided to stay back for the veneration.
Devotees can venerate the holy relics of St Francis Xavier from 7 am to 6 pm for the next 45 days till January 5, 2025.