File photo of Goans venerating St Francis Xavier during Mass at the St Joseph’s RC Church in Wembley in December 2023.
LONDON
They may have settled in the UK for better prospects, but the fervour to their ‘Goencho Saib’ has been strong as ever and a number of Goans have planned pilgrimages to Goa to commemorate the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis.
Such has been their desire to venerate the Sacred Relics in the Exposition that many Goans even changed their annual gatherings in the UK. For instance, the ‘Zuemkars in UK’ (villagers of St Estevam) commemorated the annual Feast of St Stephen, patron saint of St Estevam, by organising their 5th Annual St Stephen’s Feast and Social in London on October 26, instead of celebrating on the original date (December 26) in view of the Exposition as many of the villagers are travelling to Goa in December.
According to sources, a number of Goans from all over the UK have already planned trips to Goa, primarily for the Exposition, but it will also coincide with their Christmas holidays with family, relatives and friends.
Three such Goans planning a trip to Goa include Leister Martins, a Baggage and Handling Supervisor at London Heathrow Airport who hails from Banda-Assolna, Dr Reyna Sequeira, Associate Professor of Sociology who hails from Benaulim and is currently in the UK, and Jose Mendes, originally from Margao and now living in Southall-UK.
File photo of Leister Martins along with a group of Goans at the St George Chapel in Terminal 2 of Heathrow airport after the Feast Mass celebrated for the first time in the airport on December 3, 2023.
Leister Martins said he has been visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus during every Exposition since he was very young.
“This year is no exception as my family and I have found and received favours or blessing from the Saint. As a toddler, I remember my dad Francis Xavier Martins who was named after the great saint used to take us to the nearby church at Velim, which is dedicated to St Francis Xavier.”
“I also remember after the Feast Mass on December 3, the ‘Bangarachem Roth’ (walking stick made of gold) believed to be associated with the Saint, was brought down from the main altar for faithful to kiss. The handle of the stick was golden, as was the tip of the stick.”
“Our elders of AVC (Assolna-Velim-Cuncolim) believe that St Francis Xavier visited or stayed in Velim for at least a month. There may be no circumstantial evidence or proof to back this claim, but every household in AVC knows about this history.”
Martins said there have been many songs on the ‘Bangarachem Roth’ of Saint Francis Xavier sung by multiple singers in AVC. Goans are scattered worldwide and wherever they may have settled, Goans get united only for two reasons. First, a true Goan irrespective of caste, creed or religion will come out of the house only if someone is in need and second, because of their fervour to their ‘Goencho Saib’ St Francis Xavier.
File photo of Goan priest Fr Feroz Fernandes, Parish Priest of St. Vincent de Paul Church Osterley, Isleworth in UK, and other Goans during the celebration to commemorate the Feast of St Francis Xavier in the Northwick Park hospital in Sudbury in December 2023.
Dr Reyna Sequeira said a pilgrimage for the Exposition is significant for many because it provides a profound opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual renewal, and deeper connection to the Divine.
“For me personally, being born and bought up in Goa, I have inherited this fervour from my ancestors. I have a deep devotion to St Francis Xavier, and the Exposition of the Sacred Relics takes on an even greater meaning. It is a chance to honour the saint, while also remembering the saint's extraordinary role in spreading the faith across India and beyond,” said Dr Sequeira.
“This pilgrimage can be seen as a way to unite with the broader community, affirming the power of faith and the miracles attributed to the Saint.”
“For me, St Francis Xavier’s holiness and powerful protection inspire great reverence, and his incorrupt body is a living symbol of God's grace and favour. His role as a protector, healer, and intercessor makes him not just a historical figure but a living presence in the lives of those who call upon him, strengthening your own faith and devotion.
Jose (Joe) Mendes said his pilgrimage to Goa for the Exposition is important to him.
“My family and I have been venerating the Saint for decades. We celebrate his feast every year. He encourages me and my family to come closer to God. The Exposition only takes place every 10 years, and this makes it even more special,” said Mendes.
“I have been a devotee of St Francis Xavier since I was a child. I believe that he protects us from all the natural disasters and keeps us safe.”
