Devotees from all over the world expected; Cardinal Tagle to preside over High Mass; elaborate arrangements in place amid tight security
Some of the pilgrims who have made the lawns of Basilica as their home on the eve of feast of St Francis Xavier.
Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz
OLD GOA
A multitude of devotees from all over the world will converge at Old Goa on Tuesday to participate in the Feast of St Francis Xavier and to venerate the Sacred Relics of the saint during the ongoing Exposition.
As many as 10 Masses which will be celebrated throughout the day, beginning as early as 3.45 am, followed by Masses at 5 am, 6 am, 7.15 am, 8.30 am, 10.30 am (High Mass), 12.15 pm, 3.30 pm, 5 pm and 6.15 pm (English).
The 10.30 am High Mass will be in English and will be presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, while other prelates at the Mass will include Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, and Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes. A large number of priests from across Goa and different parts of the world will also concelebrate at the Feast Mass.
Meanwhile, the veneration of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier will start two hours early at 5 am, instead of the usual 7 am, as a huge rush of pilgrims is expected to make a beeline for the veneration of the Relics.
Authorities and church officials have made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the vast number of pilgrims expected to converge at Old Goa.
The North Goa Collector has issued order under section 163 of BNSS directing all shops/ establishments to temporarily shut down near the Neura junction to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
Exposition Commissioner Sandeep Jacques said all preparations are in place for the celebration of the Feast, including on the safety and security front.
Fr Henry Falcao, Convenor of the Exposition Committee for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, also said whatever that is needed to be done has been done and that everything is set for the feast.
