OLD GOA
Unlike previous Expositions of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, this time the Relics will be carried in a carriage, in a solemn procession from the Basilica to the Cathedral on the inaugural day and then again from the Cathedral to the Basilica on the closing day of the Exposition.
Speaking to The Goan, Fr Henry Falcao, Convenor of the Exposition Committee of the Archdiocese, informed that the carriage will be a specially built electric vehicle which will be driven by a driver.
"The carriage has arrived and now the work is underway of its decoration to give it a solemn look, and Fr Adrian Furtado parish priest of Betalbatim is in-charge of the same along with Mr Serrao of Crosscraft," Fr Falcao stated.
However, Fr Falcao said that the Relics will be shouldered by a chosen few inside the Basilica, up to the main door as also when it enters the Cathedral.
“We have included different sections of people -- priests, religious, lay people, and those who are helping us for the Exposition,” Fr Falcao informed while adding the ones who would carry the Relics inside both the churches have already been chosen.
“We have to provide to the police their names so that they could check on their antecedents since it is a very sensitive and delicate event,” Fr Falcao opined.
“We have to be cautious when it comes to the security aspect due to which the ones who are chosen to shoulder the Relics have to be screened,” Fr Falcao stated.
Further, Fr Falcao requested the people not to rush towards the Relics because if anything happens to the Relics, the Church will be held responsible.
"So, we have taken some security measures and the people should also help the police in this regards," Fr Falcao said.
When questioned whether any measures have been taken in case of rains during the procession of the Relics, Fr Falcao said that they will keep themselves updated on the weather forecast.
“However, we have seen these days that the rain falls during the evening and not in the morning, which is a relief as the procession of the Relics will take place at 11 am,” Fr Falcao informed.
But, Fr Falcao hastened to add that measures have been taken for all 45 days in anticipation of the rains.
“We are going to put up a German hangar at the veneration queue. Also, the pandal where the masses are celebrated, metal sheets will be used for the roof,” Fr Falcao added
Finally, Fr Falcao remained hopeful that through the intercession of St Francis Xavier, everything will go smoothly at the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier.
