PANAJI
Old Goa is set to witness an influx of lakhs of devotees tomorrow, December 3, for the much-anticipated Feast of St Francis Xavier. Following nine days of novenas, the feast held in honour of Goa’s beloved patron saint, will be celebrated with devotion and grandeur, coinciding with the decennial Exposition of the saint’s relics.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the pro-prefect for the Dicastery for Evangelization in Rome, arrived in Goa on Sunday to preside as the main celebrant of the high Mass. Scheduled for 10:30 a.m., the high Mass will be conducted in English and is expected to attract a large congregation from across Goa, India, and abroad.
Masses will begin as early as 3:45 a.m., with services continuing throughout the day at 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:15 p.m., catering to devotees in multiple languages.
The feast of St Francis Xavier, also referred to as the Goencho Saib, holds immense spiritual significance for Goans and Catholics worldwide. The decennial Exposition of the saint’s relics, a revered tradition, adds a special dimension to this year’s celebrations. The veneration of the relics will begin at 5 am and continue uninterrupted till 6 pm
Authorities and church officials have made extensive arrangements to accommodate the vast number of pilgrims expected to converge on Old Goa.
Key Highlights for the Feast Day:
* Feast Day: December 3
* High Mass: 10:30 a.m. (English), presided by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
* Mass Timings: Begin at 3:45 a.m., with services held regularly throughout the day.
* Veneration Timing: 5 am to 6 pm
