The exhibition of Saint Francis Xavier’s relics begins in Goa
The solemn event is repeated every ten years, attracting thousands of pilgrims who pray before the remains of the great evangeliser of Asia. "We are Messengers of the Good News" is the theme of this year’s exhibition, which will continue until 5 January. Accompanied by a human chain of a thousand young people, the urn with the relics travelled from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the cathedral.
Goa (AsiaNews) – The exhibition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier solemnly opened today in the Old City of Goa, a major spiritual event that every ten years sees thousands of pilgrims converge in the southern Indian city that is home to the remains of the great missionary of Asia.
Popularly known as "Gõycho Saib", i.e. patron saint of Goa, the Spanish Jesuit Francis Xavier, one of the first companions of Ignatius of Loyola, landed here in 1542, later making it the base of his missionary journeys, until his death on 3 December 1552 on the island of Shangchuan, at the gates of China.
The exhibition that began today will last for 45 days until 5 January 2025, thus overlapping with the start of the jubilee of the universal Church.
The relics, usually kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, were solemnly carried today in procession to the cathedral, where they will remain exposed every day from 7 am to 6 pm for the worship of the faithful, thus renewing a long tradition of spiritual veneration.
"We are messengers of the Good News" is the theme chosen for this year's exhibition, which is reflected in the daily Masses celebrated in the Konkani language and English for the millions of devotees expected.
Welcomed by Card Filipe Feri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Darman, many Indian bishops and more than 400 priests concelebrated the inaugural Eucharistic liturgy led by the Archbishop Anil Joseph Couto of Delhi in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in front of more than 40,000 people.
In his homily, the prelate described Saint Francis Xavier as "a man on a mission", emphasising how his life was a living testimony of the proclamation of salvation in Christ.
The archbishop urged the faithful to draw inspiration from his dedication, imitating his fervour in discipleship and his courageous witness to the Gospel.
Before the start of the religious celebrations, Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant paid homage to the relics, which, at the end of the rite, were taken to the cathedral aboard a specially designed electric vehicle.
They were accompanied by members of the clergy, selected representatives of various sectors of society, and a human chain made up of about a thousand young people, as a symbol of unity.
.png)
17/03/2024 13:01
11/07/2006
