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It’s been ten years since the last exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier. It was in 2014, when thousands of pilgrims stood in long queues, waiting to get a glimpse of the sacred relics of the Spanish saint who they devoutly pray to throughout the year.
A reflection of their deep devotion, devotees held onto candles and murmured prayers rolling the beads of their rosary, awaiting their turn. Scenes such as this are set to be repeated at the decennial exposition that will be held from November 21, 2024 to January 4, 2025 at Old Goa.
“During the last exposition, an estimated five million pilgrims visited Old Goa. This time, given the wide coverage in the media, social media platforms and better means of travel, we can expect between eight to ten million pilgrims, if not more,” Fr Henry Falcão, Convenor of the Exposition Committee informed GT Digital.
On the opening day, a Eucharistic celebration will be held at 9.30 am at the Basilica, which will be followed by a solemn procession of the sacred relics from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to Se Cathedral.
And, instead of the tradition of the holy relics being carried on the shoulders of devotees, this year, they will be transported in a beautifully-adorned carriage.
“This has been planned to make the entire procession a solemn and spiritual event,” said Fr Henry. “The solemn procession of the sacred relics is viewed by people from across the world. It is a sacred moment of prayer and spirituality for everyone present.”
The Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, will be the main celebrant at the inaugural mass on November 21, 2024, while on the closing day, January 5, 2025, the mass will be celebrated by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão.
On the feast day, a cardinal from Rome will celebrate the mass. “His Eminence Luis Antonio Gokim Cardinal Tagle, the Pro-Prefect of the Section for the First Evangelisation and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelisation in Rome has been invited to preside over the Holy Eucharist on December 3, 2024,” the convenor informed.
As usual, eight masses will be held daily, with the first mass being at 6 am and the last mass in English at 6.15 pm.
The holy relics will be kept at Se Cathedral, in Old Goa, for over 45 days, and will be open for veneration daily, from 7 am to 6 pm. The main entrance of Se Cathedral will be the new entry point.
Speaking about the changes at this year’s event, Fr Henry said, “This time, those wishing to use the wheelchair facility need to register themselves in their respective parish by September 30. Passes will be given through respective parishes. There will also be a special counter to assist the sick and specially-abled.”
For those seeking accommodation, the Archdiocesan website has listed centres in the vicinity with facilities such as rooms, dormitories. Families and priests can avail this facility by writing an e-mail to the respective church institute.
A proof of identity is compulsory to ensure security and prevent misuse of the facility.
Fr Henry said the exposition is an occasion of spiritual renewal and also a time to rekindle in the hearts of the laity the desire to be messengers of the Good News.
“It’s also an event that nurtures bonds of brotherhood among persons and communities of diverse faiths. St Francis Xavier who is invoked by many as Goecho Saib binds everyone together and inspires us all to become pilgrims of hope in a wounded world,” he concluded.