Thousands throng Old Goa for Feast of St Francis Xavier

Old Goa saw a vast gathering of pilgrims on yesterday, 3 December, as thousands converged to celebrate the feast of St Francis Xavier, affectionately known as Goencho Saib, at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the saint’s body lay enshrined since the 17^th century.

The day began in the early hours, with pilgrims arriving from midnight to attend the first mass at 3.45 am, building up to the high mass at 10.30 am, with the main celebrant being Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes. Among the concelebrants were Goa’s Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao; Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair, Alex Dias; Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fr Patricio Fernandes; and Parish Priest of Se Cathedral, Fr Rosario Oliveira alongside numerous other priests.

FOCUS ON CREATION

In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes urged the faithful to embrace the CARE principles – Cherish, Act, Respect and Educate – as practical steps to safeguard the environment. Speaking on the theme ‘Hope does not disappoint us; hence, like St Francis Xavier, let us be pilgrims of hope,’ he called on devotees to protect God’s creation.

Reflecting on the church’s journey with prisoners, families, the sick, migrants, the poor, and struggling youth, he reminded the congregation that “all creation has been groaning,” quoting St Paul. He warned that hope for the environment is fading, lamenting the damage wrought by human greed, and stressed that “the earth is a gift to be cherished, not exploited.”

BOOKS & MORE

Later in the day, Cardinal Ferrao released the new Konkani (Romi Script) New Roman Missal. A liturgical music book, prepared by the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Music under Fr Simon D’Cunha, was also released.

Director of the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy, Fr Afonso Mendonca, animated the liturgy, while Fr Henry Falcao, Director of the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa, served as liturgical commentator. The choir was led by Kenneth Lobo.

Fr Patricio Fernandes expressed gratitude to all involved in organising the feast, including the chief minister, archbishop, auxiliary bishop, outgoing Vicar General Fr Jose Remedious, priests, volunteers, government officials, police, media personnel, and the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications.

Throughout the day, multiple masses catered to the large and diverse gathering of devotees, while the traditional fair bustled with activity, offering Goan delicacies, religious items, and assorted goods, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Political dignitaries, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, and other ministers and legislators, were present at the feast mass.