Goans venerate St Francis Xavier during Mass at the St Joseph’s RC Church in Wembley.
LONDON
A Goan Jesuit priest added a personal connect to the St Francis Xavier’s Feast celebrations in Wembley on December 3 by recalling his journey to priesthood and impact of the ‘Goencho Saib’ in his life.
An estimated 1,000 Goans participated in the St Francis Xavier’s Feast at St Joseph’s RC Church, Wembley, the Goan Chaplaincy Mass Centre.
Goan priest Fr Jovito D Souza SJ, Parish Priest of St Anselm's Catholic Church, Southall, was the main celebrant and was celebrating Mass for the first time at St Joseph’s RC Church.
In his inspiring homily which was appreciated by parishioners of St Joseph Church in Wembley, Fr Jovito narrated his journey to priesthood and impact of St Francis Xavier in his life.
Fr Jovito attributed his initial calling to priesthood to the story of St Francis Xavier, which was repeated by his father a number of times.
“I was, however, waiting for a sign. I got this sign when Fr Savio Barreto SJ, the then rector at the Bom Jesus Basilica in Old Goa, requested me for help to lower the casket of St Francis Xavier. This reaffirmed my faith that I was being called by God to priesthood,” said Fr Jovito.
Goan priest Fr Jovito D Souza SJ while celebrating Mass at the St Joseph’s RC Church in Wembley.
Fr Jovito said St Francis Xavier had left behind all his wealth, the fame and even his scholastic career to follow Jesus.
“This led Francis to Goa where many followed him due to his teachings and endless service to mankind. His body is still intact and venerated by every person in Goa, irrespective of creed,” said Fr Jovito.
After Mass, the large congregation then assembled in the adjoining pastoral hall for a get-together, which included traditional Goan food such as Pulao, Sorpotel, Sanna, Chicken Xacuti and Green Beef Curry which were prepared by generous donors. The event also had raffles with various prizes.
The winning panel of the Portuguese Consulate Advisory elections attended the get-together and thanked the people for voting them. They assured to reach out to them if they face any issues in matters pertaining to the Portuguese Consulate in the UK.
