There’s an old, popular belief amongst Goans that ‘Goa is safe because of Goencho Saib, St Francis. Xavier.’ Elders often remind their young ones during personal distress. St. Francis Xavier continues to captivate the hearts of millions of pilgrims who visit his sacred relics enshrined at the Basilica de Bom Jesus in Old Goa. This year, the numbers are expected to hit 8 million with the ongoing decennial public Exposition of his holy relics. Pilgrims are arriving in lakhs daily from across the globe. The Exposition continues till 5 January 2025.
Life of St. Francis Xavier
Francis Xavier was the sixth child of Dr Joao de Xavier and Maria d’Aspilcueta, born into a noble family at Xavier Castle in Navarre, Spain. While studying at the College of Barbara, the young Xavier shared a room with Pedro Fabro and Iñigo López de Loyola, the latter of whom established the Jesuit Order. Xavier, one of the co-founders of the Order was later sent on a mission to Goa, a former Portuguese colony as the papal nuncio. He first arrived in Goa on May 6, 1542.
Exposition_Aerial view of the Basilica de Bom Jesus, the final resting place for the scared relics
His mission in Goa continued for a short period of six months. During this time, he dedicated himself to spreading devotion to Christ by caring for the sick and teaching Christian doctrine. His missionary efforts extended beyond Goa to other regions of South India, including Cochin and the Cape of Comorin, and reached Japan and China. He passed away at 46 on the island of Shangchuan, located off the coast of China. Today, devotion to St. Francis has deepened across various communities and religions. Gautam Karkal from Ponda, recalls his childhood visits to the Exposition with his family and participating in yearly feast day celebrations. He continues to pray to St. Francis in times of need.
The Exposition
Exposition_The sacred relics of St Francis Xavier
The Exposition is a significant religious event that occurs every decade in Old Goa. The holy relics are brought down from their permanent resting place inside the silver casket at the Basilica de Bom Jesus for public veneration. The current edition has undergone a remarkable transformation in terms of management, ensuring a smooth flow for veneration, multi-lingual masses including Portuguese, French, Tamil, and Malayalam, and enhanced facilities such as buggies and e-rickshaws for the differently abled and elderly participants. A special eco-friendly pilgrimage village has been created to accommodate pilgrims.
The grand opening on November 21 was marked by the liturgical celebration followed by a ceremonious procession of the relics to the Se Cathedral, opposite the Basilica de Bom Jesus. Breaking away from the tradition, a special electric carriage inspired by the silver casket that houses the relics was used to transport the body. A human chain of 1500 plus lined the procession route. In a display of communal harmony, representatives from the Hindu and Muslim communities joined the celebrations as well. A brass band of 100 musicians, led by Mestre Fr. Simon D’Cunha added to the joyous festivities.
Human chain along the carriage carrying the relics of St Francis Xavier
Art at the Exposition
Art lovers can explore two compelling exhibitions around the heritage vicinity. Footprints of Hope, presented by the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman at the historic Convent of St. John of God in Old Goa, brings together 62 artists from varied backgrounds. Each work offers their perspective on various aspects of the saint’s enduring legacy.
Close by, a few steps away, Sacred Archives: Memories & Objects, is on display at the Museum of Christian Art at Monte Santo. Curated by Goa Familia, this exhibit delves into personal memories and memorabilia from various families. It showcases a range of artefacts, including photographs, archival documents, philatelic items, and newspaper clippings, offering a glimpse into individual devotion to the Saint. This exhibition will remain open until January 9, 2025.
Pilgrims visiting the Exposition, not only leave with a renewed sense of faith but can carry unique keepsakes from the event. The Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media has commissioned a collection of commemorative covers, posters, and bookmarks by renowned philatelist, numismatist, and coin-maker Alok Goyal from Kolkata.
For the exposition, he created a limited edition for the occasion. Notably, the use of cork paper for the covers is significant, as it is a rare material. “We planned two covers, one on cork paper and the other special edition on metallic rainbow seeds with a matt finish. These items are crafted on Metallic Matt Paper with raised UV effects in selected areas, showcasing images such as the Relic Casket, Bom Jesus Basilica, the Saint, the event emblem, and specific texts,” he explains.
Some feature a real silver coin effect on a medal and metallic shine effects.
