OLD GOA
After being kept for veneration for 45 days in the See Cathedral, the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier was finally brought back to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in a solemn procession on the 46th day, on Sunday, as the Exposition which began on November 21 last year came to an end.
Prior to the procession, a prayer service was held inside the Cathedral which started at 9 am and was led by Auxiliary Bishop Fr Simiao Purificacao Fernandes.
After the prayer service, the Relics was shouldered by chosen men, from inside the Cathedral to the doorway where it was placed in the waiting electric carriage specially designed for the Exposition.
In the procession preceding the journey of the Relics, various people from different backgrounds who helped in the successful organisation of the Exposition participated.
Among those included volunteers, security, police personnel, helpers, medical staff, buggy services, water supply, E-rickshaw drivers, laundry staff, tailors, meal suppliers for canteen, electricity department, cleaning, security agency, Pilgrim Village volunteers, youth, Diocesan Communication Centre volunteers and media personnel, as well as priests and nuns.
The Relics was then taken in the Carriage towards the Basilica as a human chain of youth and others lined up on both sides of the path.
A 100-piece brass band led by Fr Simon D'Cunha followed the carriage playing tunes based on St Francis Xavier.
Finally, after a 45-minutes journey, the Relics reached the doorway of the Basilica where it was yet again shouldered by chosen men and then taken inside the Basilica.
As the Relics were taken inside, famed Fado singer Sonia Sirsat sang 'Sao Francis Xaviera' in her melodious voice.
After the Relics was safely secured in the Basilica, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated in which Cardinal Felipe Neri Ferrao was the main celebrant along with co-celebrants Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman Simião Fernandes, Agartala Bishop Lumen Monteiro, Simla-Chandigarh Bishop Ignatius, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias and other priests including Exposition Committee convenor Fr Henry Falcao, Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes and Parish Priest of See Cathedral Fr Rosario Oliveira.
During the Eucharist Archbishop Ferrao in his homily, while explaining the theme 'Messengers of the Joy of the Gospel, Pilgrims of Hope', spoke about three attitudes we can have in relation to Jesus.
"First attitude is like Herod the King who displays an attitude of anger and hostility towards Jesus. He asked the people to introspect if they have such kind of attitude and accept Jesus because he challenges their ways and invites them to change their life.
"Second attitude is that of Pharisees who showed an attitude of indifference towards Jesus and his teaching, and were too much occupied by the rites and rituals rather than exemplary living.
"Finally the third attitude is that of the three wise men, who seek and discern and once they find Jesus they surrender their life to Him in adoring worship. This is what St. Francis Xavier did, he surrendered and offered his life to the proclamation of the teachings and Good news of Jesus," Archbishop Ferrao proclaimed.
Deacon Frazer Vaz anchored the whole liturgy while Director of Pastoral Institute, Old Goa Fr Candido Fernandes animated the liturgy. Avinash Fernandes led the liturgical singing.
Fr Henry Falcão, thanked all those who helped in organizing the Exposition and Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes also expressed his sentiments of gratitude.
