Goa Exhibition: Vatican delegation brings greetings from Francis

Led by the Substitute for the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Peña Parra, the delegation joined the millions of pilgrims who will pay homage to the relics of Saint Francis Xavier until 5 January. Also present was the organiser of papal journeys, Cardinal-designate Koovakad. The pope has India and Asia “in his heart,” he said. Goa Governor Pillai pays tribute to Christian schools.

Goa (AsiaNews) – A delegation of nine Vatican representatives is currently in Goa for the decennial exhibition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier, which began last week.

It is headed by Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for the Secretariat of State, together with two of the prelates Pope Francis will elevate to the cardinalship in the consistory of 7 December: Bishop George Koovakad, from India, coordinator of the apostolic journeys, and Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, from Lithuania, coadjutor archpriest of Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major.

Archbishop Peña Parra expressed his joy for this event, which will attract millions of pilgrims to Goa until next 5 January.

“I bring to you the blessing and greetings of Pope Francis. When I met him, he allowed me to greet you and the Church and the government," the archbishop said. “We are happy that the Holy Father has India in his heart,” he added.

Referring to the presence of the cardinal designate, Bishop Koovakad, he said: “He has Asia in his heart. We know the future of the world and the future of Church pass through India, pass through Asia and these people."

As for the message that the exhibition conveys, Archbishop Peña Parra explained that "to love God is to love others."

With respect to the priceless legacy of Saint Francis Xavier's apostolate, he noted how much his testimony remains alive both in Goa and across Asia.

Accompanied by the Archbishop of Goa and Darman, Card Filipe Neri Ferrão, and Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes, the Vatican delegation was also received by Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, who emphasised the harmonious cooperation between the government and the Church in the organisation of the event.

At this moment in the world, said the Substitute for the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, it is “necessary to reinforce dialogue and invest in communication amongst us (communities).”

In the prelate’s view, the authorities and the Church must make every effort to talk to each other, which is the best way to bring the people and the country together.

For his part, Governor Pillai praised the role played by the Church in education.

"I studied in a Christian school in Kerala,” he said. “I can say Kerala is a 100-per cent literate state in India mostly due to missionaries and Christian schools in Kerala that helped achieved this goal.”

• india
• goa
• saint francis xavier
• exhibition
• relics
• pilgrims
• visitors
• kerala
• education