The number of people queuing up to venerate the sacred relics of 16th-century Saint Francis Xavier at Old Goa has so far crossed the 75 lakh (7.5 million) mark and is expected to exceed 80 lakh as the ongoing veneration concludes on Saturday, 4th January 2025, at Old Goa.
Over the last seven weeks, during the novena and feast dedicated to the Saint, Catholic Church leaders from across the world have visited to venerate his relics, including cardinals and over a dozen bishops. Dignitaries from several countries, including federal ministers from Portugal, Brazil, and others, have also travelled to Old Goa to pay their respects to the Saint.
It is notable, however, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet visited Old Goa to pay his respects to Goa’s beloved Saint, ‘Goencho Saib,’ despite his frequent visits to the state for other occasions. This has left many wondering why he chose to stay away from such a significant and revered religious event for the Goan Christian community.
While some remain hopeful that the Prime Minister might extend an invitation to Pope Francis for an official visit to Goa in the future, others view his absence during this prestigious event as disheartening. It raises questions about how deeply the government values the cultural and spiritual heritage of this historic and sacred site.
