A Journey of Faith: The 18th Exposition of St. Francis Xavier
It's the 18th exposition of St. Francis Xavier, which is taking place in Goa at the moment. I'm blessed to say that it's the 3rd time I'm getting to witness it.
Who is St. Francis Xavier
Saint Francis Xavier is a Catholic saint and missionary from Spain. His efforts led to the establishment of a vibrant Christian community in Goa. Beyond Goa, his missionary work extended to India, Japan, Malaysia, and other parts of Asia.
After his death in 1552, the body of St. Francis Xavier was found to be miraculously well-preserved. His body is enshrined in a silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa and is venerated every ten years during the Exposition of St. Francis Xavier, attracting numerous devotees.
This year, 2024, happens to be the year for the Sacred Exposition.
Tradition
Every year, my family and I travel to Old Goa for the Novena Mass. After the Mass, we venerate the Relics of St. Francis Xavier, visit the fair and buy some local delicacies and sweets.
The Holy Mass
My parish church is the first ever Church, dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. Our parish celebrated the Mass at Old Goa on the 18th of December, 2024.
I've been learning to play the violin for the past two years and was blessed to play the violin for the Mass choir. I was joined in the choir by Andrew Gomes (violin), Myron Lucas (guitar), and vocalists John D'Cruz, Rosita Carvalho, Sara Paes, Francisco Nunes, and Kaira Pereira.
The Homily
Our parish priest, Fr. Bolmax Pereira, delivered a powerful homily, highlighting how we have neglected our responsibilities to protect the environment of Goa, promoting unwanted developmental projects, and falling prey to corruption.
The Holy Mass can be viewed below.
In the Footsteps of Faith
After the Holy Mass, we joined the queue to venerate the Relics of St. Francis Xavier at Se Cathedral. I really liked the nice touch by the organizers to place small boards of quotes by different saints. It really helps us in humility and preparing ourselves to experience this moment of respect to St. Francis Xavier.
Sweet Tooth Quest
After the veneration, we went to the fair to buy some sweets such as jaggery and ginger laddus, kadio bodio (a ginger/jaggery sweet), grams, and groundnuts.
Footprints of Hope
We were invited by our good friend Nelsey Godinho to visit the art exhibition honouring the life of St. Francis Xavier. I am not a big fan of art, but these paintings depicting the life and impact of St. Francis Xavier evoked a sense of calm and peace. It really made me appreciate the hard work and sacrifice put in by all the artists in these works of art.
I liked them all, but my personal favourite was the below painting of St. Francis Xavier by Natasha Andrade.
We also met Fr. Valentine Alphonso, whom I know from his time as the Rector at Pallotti Home, Chicalim and is the Chief Organizer who has put this Art Exhibition together.
A short glimpse of the Art Exposition can be viewed below: