Goa: Its an occasion that comes once every ten years. The remains of the 16th Century Spanish missionary which are usually kept in a casket at the Basilica of Bom Jesus are put on public display at the Se Cathedral close by.
After a celebratory Mass on Saturday led by Indian archbishops, thousands lined up to kiss the relics as the procession began amid tight security. The main celebrant of the mass was Bishop of Mangalore, Rev. Bishop Aloysious, who along with Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao and other Bishops concelebrated the Eucharist at 9:30 AM in the make-shift structure adjacent to the Basilica where Sacred Relics are kept.
After the mass, Sacred Relics were reverently taken in a procession to the Se Cathedral Church.
Upon placing the Relics in the Catherdral, the bishop incensed the Relics and prayed together with the priests gathered following which, devotees were allowed to kiss the relics.
This is a facility introduced in addition to Masses in foreign and Indian languages that are already scheduled during the SFX Novenas (prayers offered for nine days) from November 24 to December 2, 2014,” Convener of the Exposition Fr Alfred Vaz said. He said pilgrims coming from across the globe and India are given this opportunity for the first time.
According to the calendar of Masses published for Exposition 2014, Masses will be held daily during the entire period of the SFX Exposition in Konkani, English and some foreign languages..
The organizers expect more than 50 lakh pilgrims to visit Old Goa during the exposition days.. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place at the venue, which is closely monitored by more than hundred CCTV cameras
Brooke Harrods, a visitor from the US, said she had made the trip because the saint was “an embodiment of peace,” adding: “You can really feel that energy here today”.
One of the first Jesuit missionaries, Francis Xavier worked extensively in Asia, especially within the Portuguese empire of the time, and was canonised 70 years after his death, in 1622.
The relics will be on display until 4 January.
