As Catholics prepare for the XVIII Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, beginning in November 2024, the committee has released the theme, Xubhvortomanache Porgottnnar Ami, that translates to 'We are Messengers of the Good News'.
A special logo has been designed and the theme and the logo focus on the responsibility of every Christian in spreading the message of love, hope and peace to the four corners of the world.
The theme is in keeping with that chosen by Pope Francis for the Jubilee Year 2025 which is 'Pilgrims of Hope'.
A special prayer, to be prayed daily by individuals and families in their homes, in churches, chapels, small Christian communities, has also been prepared. The Exposition Committee has urged the faithful and all people of goodwill to pray that the twin celebrations may bring about a renewal of Christian life and help in spreading peace and harmony among all.
During the year, priests have been urged to organise pilgrimages with their parishioners, especially with catechism children and youth, to Old Goa.
An art exhibition on St Francis Xavier will be put up during the exposition. Prominent artists from Goa and India have been invited to contribute. A souvenir in the form of a book, on the life story of St Francis Xavier, as depicted beautifully on the silver casket in which the Sacred Relics of the Saint are kept, will be released on the occasion of the exposition.
The decennial exposition will begin on November 21, 2024, a Thursday, and will end on January 5, 2025, a Sunday.
On November 21, the solemn Eucharist for the opening of the exposition will be held at 9.30 am, after which the Sacred Relics of the saint will be taken in a solemn procession to the Se Cathedral Church.
The Sacred Relics will be kept in the Se Cathedral for veneration by the devotees for 45 days. On January 5, 2025, the Sacred Relics of the Saint will be taken back to the Basilica in a solemn procession which will begin at 9.30 am and will be followed by the solemn Eucharist for the closing of the Exposition.
A special email id has been created so that people from around the world can write to seek more information about the exposition. The email id is sfxexpo2024@gmail.com.
