Team Goemkarponn
OLDGOA: The Decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier concluded on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Exposition culminated with a Solemn procession from Se Cathedral to Bom Jesus Basilica, Old Goa and Eucharistic Celebration held in the pandal in front of the Basilica.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, presided over the concluding Eucharistic Celebration. Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Bishop Lumen Monteiro of Agartala, Bishop Ignatius of Simla-Chandigarh, Bishop Alex Dias, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair, Fr. Henry Falcão, Convenor of the Exposition Committee, Fr. Patricio Fernandes S.J., Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fr. Jose Remedios Fernandes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Fr Rosario Oliveira ,Parish Priest of Se Cathedral, and other priests concelebrated the mass.
During the Eucharist Archbishop in his homily, while explaining the theme “messengers of the Joy of the gospel, Pilgrims of Hope” spoke about three attitudes we can have in relation to Jesus.
First Attitude is like Herod the King who displays an attitude of anger and hostility towards Jesus. He asked the people to introspect if they have such kind of attitude and reject Jesus because he challenges their ways and invites them to change their life.
Second attitude is that of Pharisees they showed an attitude of indifference towards Jesus and his teaching and were too much occupied by the rites and rituals rather than exemplary living.
Finally the third attitude is that of wise man, who seek and discern and once they find Jesus they surrender their life to Jesus in adoring worship.
This is what St. Francis Xavier did he surrendered and offered his life to the proclamation of the teachings and Good news of Jesus.
“Jesus himself humbled himself and offered his life in Love and service to us all.St. Francis Xavier faced lot of challenges too, like him we need to be zealous, selfless, and and lead an exemplary life in union with Jesus”. Exhorted the Archbishop.
Bishop Simião Fernandes led the Morning prayer at the Se Cathedral before the procession began.
The Eucharistic celebration was preceded by a solemn procession of the relics from the Se Cathedral, where they had been venerated for the past 45 days, starting on November 21, 2024. The procession made its way to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, with the relics carried in a specially made electric carriage. Chosen representatives, including volunteers, Security, police personnel, helpers, medical staff, buggy services, water supply, E-rickshawdrivers, laundry staff, tailors, meal suppliers for canteen, electricity department, cleaning, security agency, Pilgrim village volunteers, youth, Diocesan Communication Centre Volunteers and media personnel, as well as priests and nuns, participated in the procession.
A brass band accompanied the procession, which was led by Fr. Simon D’Cunha, Chaplain of St. Joaquim Chapel in Borda. Deacon Frazer Vaz anchored the whole liturgy while Fr Candido Fernandes, Director of Pastoral Institute, Old Goa animated the liturgy. Avinash Fernandes led the liturgical singing. The procession was accompanied by commentary provided by Sr. Livia Nunes SFN and Alisha D’Cunha.
Fr Henry Falcão, thanked all those who helped in organizing the Exposition. Fr Patricio Fernandes S.J. also expressed his sentiments of gratitude. Fr. Henry Falcão, Convenor of the Exposition handed over the Casket carrying the relics to the administrative committee of the Basillica.
The veneration, attracted some millions of people, who came to pay their respects to the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier, Gõycho Saib. People from all walks of life, different religious backgrounds, including Vatican delegates, civil authorities from various countries, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, took part in the veneration. Special masses were also held during this period for the deaf, blind, visually impaired, and the Goan diaspora. Each day, eight masses were celebrated in the pandal totalling it to 384 masses.
Many participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and also in Counselling. Each community of religious nuns and brothers in the Archdiocese has spent two hours of Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament in the Basillica. The live streaming links and media management from the part of the Church was handled by Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media. A special thanks was given to print and electronic media who covered the event.
The Exposition Committee, was led by Fr. Henry Falcão, Director of the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa. The committee organized a musical opera on the life and mission of St. Francis Xavier, titled Porgottnnar, which was staged throughout Goa. The Exposition Secretariat also arranged for a musical performance by the Shillong Chamber Choir and projected a 3D mapping of the life of St. Francis Xavier during the days of veneration. Additionally, the Government of Goa made available all the infrastructure needed for the public during the event.
