Saint Francis Xavier’s missionary journey to Goa in the mid-16th century was a mission deeply rooted in the betterment of society
On December 3, the faithful gathered at Old Goa to venerate the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier, Goencho Saib. Amid this solemn occasion, one might ponder how the saint would perceive the state of the land he loved and served so fervently.
His conservationist intentions and social unity endeavours, though largely aligned with his missionary goals, also bore significant secular value. These efforts, aimed at uplifting the marginalised and preserving cultural heritage, stand in stark contrast to the environmental and social crises confronting Goa today.
Saint Francis Xavier’s missionary journey to Goa in the mid-16th century was not merely an exercise in religious propagation; it was a mission deeply rooted in the betterment of society.
His actions exemplified a respect for the local environment and a commitment to the dignity of Goa’s people.
By encouraging the use of Konkani, he preserved an integral part of Goan cultural identity amidst colonial pressures.
His advocacy for the welfare of fisherfolk and lower-caste communities demonstrated his concern for social equity, transcending religious boundaries (Saldanha, 2013).
The establishment of educational institutions under his guidance not only advanced literacy but also empowered marginalised groups to improve their socio-economic conditions.
Viewed through a modern lens, his approach resonates with principles of sustainable development and social justice.
If Saint Francis Xavier were alive today, witnessing the environmental degradation of Goa, he would likely be profoundly disheartened. The unchecked urbanisation, deforestation, and pollution of rivers and coastal areas represent a betrayal of the land’s sanctity and the well-being of its inhabitants.
Goa, once celebrated for its lush greenery and vibrant ecosystems, now faces significant ecological threats due to governmental inefficiency and unbridled commercial interests. Saint Francis Xavier, who championed the dignity of individuals and communities, would lament the displacement of vulnerable populations caused by haphazard development projects and the erosion of the communal bonds that once defined Goan society.
Equally distressing would be the fraying of Goa’s social fabric. Saint Francis Xavier’s efforts to unify diverse communities under principles of equity and mutual respect stand as a stark contrast to the present-day polarisation and communal discord.
The fragmentation of social unity, coupled with the deterioration of environmental stewardship, necessitates the need for collective action to preserve both the tangible and intangible heritage of this unique land.
In the absence of effective governmental measures to address these challenges, public-spirited citizens have taken to invoking the Constitutional jurisdiction of the High Court of Bombay at Goa.
The judiciary, as the guardian of fundamental rights and constitutional values, has become a pivotal arena for advocating environmental conservation and social justice.
Through Public Interest Litigations (PILs), concerned individuals and organisations have sought to rectify those wrongs.
The environmental concerns plaguing Goa are manifold. From illegal mining in the Western Ghats to large-scale deforestation for infrastructure projects, the once-pristine landscapes that define the region's identity are vanishing (D’Souza & Rodrigues, 2020).
The intrusion of pollutants into rivers and estuaries has eroded biodiversity, while unchecked tourism has brought urban sprawl to once-sleepy villages. Such destruction could only elicit a mournful response from a figure who tirelessly worked to preserve the harmony between humanity and nature.
Equally troubling is the erosion of Goa’s social fabric. The influx of non-resident stakeholders into Goan land markets, coupled with the disenfranchisement of local communities, has led to socioeconomic polarisation (Naik, 2021).
Traditional village systems, once bastions of cooperation and mutual respect, now falter under the weight of political and economic divisions. Saint Francis Xavier, who lived by the principles of inclusion and equity, would grieve over these developments.
Public-spirited citizens have increasingly resorted to filing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) to highlight administrative lapses and advocate for the preservation of Goa’s legacy.
The jurisdiction of the High Court of Bombay at Goa provides a vital constitutional platform to address these issues, underscoring the role of the judiciary in safeguarding public interests (Supreme Court of India, 2021).
The need for judicial intervention by private citizens arises from a gap between governance and constitutional mandates.
Goa’s natural resources, protected under the doctrine of public trust, are increasingly jeopardised by policies that prioritise short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.
It is through the vigilance and perseverance of public spirited individuals that these issues are brought to the forefront, ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard and that the state remains accountable to its constitutional duties.
The doctrine of legitimate expectation further highlights the entitlement of Goan residents to demand adherence to established norms and practices. This principle, rooted in administrative law, ensures that public authorities act transparently, fairly, and consistently.
Goans, having entrusted their state’s governance with the preservation of their environment and cultural heritage, hold a legitimate expectation that these responsibilities will be fulfilled.
The path forward lies in collective responsibility, where every individual, inspired by the saint’s example, contributes to the preservation of Goa’s unique heritage and environment.
As the Exposition of Saint Francis Xavier’s sacred relics takes place, it is an opportune moment to reflect on his values and their relevance in addressing contemporary challenges.
The legacy of Saint Francis Xavier, deeply rooted in compassion and conservation, offers a timeless blueprint for fostering unity and sustainability in the face of adversity.
The path forward lies in embracing his values to heal the fractures in Goa’s social and environmental landscapes, ensuring a legacy that generations to come can cherish.
