Pilgrims flock to Goa for 18th exhibition of relics of St. Francis Xavier

Sister Florina José SCN

Goa, Saturday, November 23, 2024 (Vatican News): Once a decade, the Indian state of Goa attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists to the exhibition of the holy relics of St. Francis Xavier.

The 18th solemn exposition of the holy relics began on November 21, 2024 at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa and will continue until January 2025, Catholic Connect reported.

This historic festival pays tribute to Saint Francis Xavier, Spanish missionary and co-founder of the Jesuits, famous for his missionary work throughout Asia. He is especially honored for his important role in the spread of Christianity in India.

opening ceremony

Cardinal Philip Neri Antonio Sebastião do Rosario Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Damao, welcomes 12,000 pilgrims from India and abroad during the inaugural Eucharistic celebration on November 21, 2024.

The main celebrant, Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Cotto of Delhi, described St. Francis Xavier as “a man on a mission” whose life was a testimony to Christ the Savior. In his homily, Archbishop Cotto urged the faithful to emulate St. Francis’ spiritual legacy of passionate zeal and discipleship.

The holy relics of Saint Francis Xavier were carried in procession from the Basilica of Good Jesus to the Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier. (The word ‘se’ in Portuguese means sea) was a specially designed electric carriage that carried the saint’s coffin.

Darshan of the saint by devotees

The relics, normally kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, will be open to the public to view the saint in the cathedral from 3:00 p.m. daily until the exhibition closes in January 2025.

This multi-week event includes various religious ceremonies such as masses, prayer services, novenas, and processions. This grand exhibition is a moment of deep spiritual contemplation, devotion and celebration, showcasing the rich cultural and religious heritage of Goa.