With the 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier just days away from opening on November 21, authorities in Goa are racing against the clock to complete final preparations for the event. From infrastructure developments and pilgrim accommodations to stringent security measures and traffic management, significant efforts are underway to ensure a smooth experience for the thousands of pilgrims expected. However, while many arrangements are nearing completion, some challenges remain, particularly concerning the construction of facilities around Old Goa. As the countdown continues, a multi-tiered security plan and additional transport options are also being put in place for public safety and convenience
The work on the main pandal outside the Basilica, which is almost complete.
Photo Credits: The Goan
OLD GOA
With barely a few days left for the opening of the 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, authorities are in a race against time to complete the works for the decennial event.
When 'The Goan' visited Old Goa to assess the ground reality, it was observed that works were still underway even though assurance was given that a majority of the works would be completed five days before the opening, which is scheduled on November 21.
For instance, in the Pilgrim Village where arrangements are made to accommodate 200 people, works were still underway to complete the temporary cottages. Elsewhere, construction of temporary toilets was also undertaken as observed in the Bhakia parking area and also near the Arch of Conception.
Work on the facilities behind the Basilica was also in progress. This area would be used to provide parking facilities for the priests and those who partake in the liturgical services. Also, there would be accommodation facilities for the walking pilgrims in the area.
However, on the brighter side, the main pandal outside the Basilica is nearly complete as also the facilities for the pilgrims who would wait in the queue to venerate the Sacred Relics. The German Hangar has already been put up where the pilgrims would be managed in a maze structure in case of a huge crowd.
The St John of God Convent has also been given a swanky look with the structure renovated and given a whitewash. The open space also looks very tidy with the pavers being installed. The Convent is going to host the exhibition titled 'Footprints of Hope' based on the life and mission of St Francis Xavier. Around 62 Goan artists will display their art at the exhibition giving a chance for the visitors to view the life of St Francis Xavier through the medium of art.
The Exposition Secretariat is also ready and it is here that the members of the Exposition Committee meet to discuss, deliberate and chalk out the course of action for smooth conduct of the Exposition.
ACCOMMODATION FOR PILGRIMS
Accommodation for pilgrims would be provided at the St Joseph Vaz Renewal Centre, Pastoral Institute, Se Cathedral (all in Old Goa) and Lar in Panaji.
Apart from that, the government has set up a Pilgrim Village which will provide accommodation for 200 people to stay.
The government accommodation is for those pilgrims who do not book in advance and food will also be provided at a minimal cost.
PARKING ARRANGEMENTS
The parking areas as always will be at the Bhakia property. But this time around there will be parking facilities for people with disabilities, and sick.
Behind the Basilica, parking will be reserved for priests, volunteers, choir members, those involved in liturgy, and those doing reading. It is not for the general public.
A parking area is being developed in the Church property at Santa Monica Convent.
SEMI-PERMANENT TOILETS
Semi-permanent toilets will be built wherever permitted as chemical toilets are expensive. Such toilets, being cheaper, will be built at those places where ASI norms allow. For instance, one such semi-permanent toilet has been built at the Bhakia property and another near the Arch of Conception. These will be dismantled once the Exposition is over.
NO BOOKING SLOTS FOR VENERATION
With queries being made if pre-booking of slots will be available for the veneration of the Relics, Fr Henry Falcao, Convenor of the Exposition Committee of the Archdiocese, has clarified that no pre-booking will be allowed as he opined that this is a religious event, a spiritual event.
“Standing in the queue is part of the pilgrimage, which we are doing in faith, prayer and penance,” Fr Falcao informed.
“We want to encourage people to participate in the queue as a time of prayer and penance,” Fr Falcao said, but added that those who are unable to wait in the queue like the ones who are unable to walk, the sick, and others will be given separate facilities.
"But those who can walk should use this occasion as a time for renewal," Fr Falcao opined.
CATHOLIC CONNECT APP
Those who want to explore the Churches of Old Goa will be able to do so via the Catholic Connect App of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), which will give an audio tour of the important Churches of Goa with narration of the historical importance of the different Churches and other details pertaining to the Exposition.
Old Goa panchayat's role limited to allotting stalls
Even as the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier begins soon, the local governing Se Old Goa panchayat will have a limited role to play.
Speaking to 'The Goan', Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar informed that the panchayat's role is limited to allotting the stalls. "Beyond that, the panchayat has no role to play," Parvatkar added.
When questioned on the number of stalls allotted, Parvatkar said a total of 600 stalls have been allotted. "Usually, 650 stalls are set up but this time around 50 stalls have been cancelled as the area around the Gandhi Circle will be kept open to allow free movement of ambulances, fire tenders, etc," she added.
