The decennial exposition of the scared relics of St Francis Xavier at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa is drawing thousands of devotees from across the globe, a testament to the saint's enduring legacy.
Lay Catholics, priests, religious and individuals of other faiths, all on a quest to find spiritual serenity and growth, have been participating in religious activities apart from venerating the saint and are looking for souvenirs to forever mark this momentous occasion.
SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE COVER
Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM) has released religious souvenirs to commemorate the 18th exposition of the relics of the saint, also known as Goemcho Saib. Among these are one bookmark, one postcard, two posters and, most especially, a special commemorative cover. The special commemorative cover introduced by the DCSCM is one of its kind in India and one of few worldwide.
This commemorative cover is made using metallic matt paper with raised UV effects on selective areas. It focuses on special elements like the relic casket, the Bom Jesus Basilica, St Francis Xavier, selective texts, the emblem and the exposition logo.
This commemorative cover is made using metallic matt paper with raised UV effects on selective areas. It focuses on special elements like the relic casket, the Bom Jesus Basilica, St Francis Xavier, selective texts, the emblem and the exposition logo.
A representative from the church, revealed that the cover is very unique because of the silver coin effect of metal and metallic shine effect it has.
He said, “These (the prints of the cover) have a unique feature, and we want as many devotees to buy them as they will be available only during this time.”
The commemorative cover has a special cancellation date of November 21st 2024 – the first day of the exposition of St Francis Xavier.
PRINTED ON CORK
Aside from this, special covers printed on natural cork paper with a silver effect on them will also be available.
According to the sources at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, this collector’s piece is special because the only other cover printed on cork material was made in India in 2022, and was printed with regular ink.
However, this has a special silver effect on it. These covers are only available in limited numbers and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to the uniqueness of these covers, only 100 of them have been printed.
The two types of posters, one postcard and one bookmark that are available are also printed on metallic matt paper.
WHERE TO BUY THEM
These unique covers were conventionalised by Blaise Fernandes, philatelist and the secretary of the PPC of Panjim Deanery and designed by Kolkata-based philatelist, Alok K Goyal. Prints of these covers, postcard, bookmark and two posters are available during the exposition at the help desk in the Bom Jesus Basilica compound.