St. Xavier Exposition in Goa Concludes With a Call to Build Communities of Love

Panaji – The 16th solemn exposition of the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier concluded at Old Goa on Sunday, January 2, with over 2 million people having visited the Se Cathedral during the 42–day period for venerating the Saint.

Hundreds of devotees gathered to watch the casket containing the relics being carried from the Se Cathedral to its original place in the Basilica of Bom Jesus across the road.

Later Archbishop Emeritus Raul Gonsalves, the chief celebrant, urged the faithful to build communities of love, peace, justice, harmony and brotherhood.

Addressing the 6000 gathering of devotees at the Pontifical High Mass outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus, in presence of 200–odd priests and nuns, Archbishop Emeritus Raul Gonsalves said that the Exposition signaled that people should build communities of love.

“From here, a new phase starts with the spiritual fruits we have got from the Exposition,” he said and drew a parallel with the Magi who had seen and followed the bright star.

Likewise, the Emeritus–Archbishop said, Francis Xavier saw the light, took the light, lived with the light, and gave the light to others.

“We ought to be children with light amongst men,” he said, expressing the hope that the Exposition has emerged as a beacon, which would be carried around by pilgrims of St. Xavier by peaceful and loving deeds. “Let us be children of the light of Christ and of love of mankind.”

Expressing sorrow at the devastation and loss of life in India and South–East Asia caused by the earthquake–induced tsunami waves recently, the Emeritus–Archbishop prayed for heavenly bliss for those who lost their lives and succor for those who were recovering from the tragedy. Praising the worldwide efforts towards helping the tsunami victims, Rev. Gonsalves said it was a manifestation of God’s love among mankind. He also relayed a message of the Holy Father to the congregation. In part it said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

“If all of us live with human values, we ought to pray and express concern to Tsunami victims. Let them see the warmth of our light by doing anything, whatever possible to alleviate their sufferings,” he said.

Archbishop Stanislus Fernandes of Gandhinagar, Gujarat who also addressed the gathering lamented to the gathering that consumerism has gripped society, adding that mere donations for the underprivileged and distressed were not enough.

“Our hearts have to go out to them so that those who have plenty share with the deprived, even share gifts of talent with those backwards in society,” the archbishop said.

Archbishop Fernandes said that the world has projected a 15–year time frame by which the number of those living below poverty line would be halved. “But 15 years is a long way ahead. Unless we go faster, we will always find poor at our doorstep,” said the Archbishop, drawing an irony of the internet and globalization age vis–à–vis non–existence of primary schools in some villages.

Earlier in the morning, the Archbishop Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao and the assembly of bishops and priests said special prayers at the Se Cathedral where the relics of St. Francis Xavier lay for veneration and kissing during the entire 42–day period of the Exposition.

At the end of the Pontifical High Mass, representatives of various deaneries were presented with a pascal candle and a liturgical calendar with a call to "go and give the light of love."

In closing, Archbishop Ferrao profusely thanked all who had contributed, especially the government its agencies for their collaboration in the smooth conduct of the Exposition. Rev. Ferrao touched a chord when he remembered gratefully Fr. Olavo Velho Pereira who passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2004. Fr Pereira was the Director of the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media, who worked hard during the preparations for the Exposition, especially in media projects and exhibitions.

The Pontifical Mass was co–celebrated by Archbishop Blasco Colco, Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa, Bishop Frederick D'Souza of Jhansi and Father Tomasz Grysa, Charge d'Affairs of the Apostolic Nunciature in India.

Bom Jesus Basilica rector Jesuit Father Savio Barreto called the exposition "a total success," saying it helped "deepen faith of our people."

The rector added that Church and government officials worked together for the exposition. "It was a beautiful experience where the Church and State came together for a cause," he remarked.

“There was tremendous co–ordination between the different government departments and the entire Exposition was completely incident–free,” said Mr. Bosco George, the Exposition Commissioner, Superintendent of Police (Vigilance).

Mr. George and the Deputy Commissioner of the Exposition, deputy superintendent of police, Mr Alan de Sa, were camped at Old Goa during the entire 42–day event. Among the VIPs whose visits they had to oversee was the US ambassador to India, Mr Robert Mulford. Other VIPs include the Spanish ambassador to Pakistan, the Consul General of Denmark to India, the Consul General of Portugal in Goa, the Governor of Chattisgarh, the Tourism Secretary of the government of India, Ms Uma Pillay and others.

“The Exposition was a very rich experience for us. When I took over as Exposition Commissioner, I did not have any data to rely on. Now we are preparing a detailed report giving day–to–day details of the attendance of pilgrims for the masses, kissing and veneration, accommodation and so on. We have filed all Exposition–related media clippings,” Mr George said.

St. Francis Xavier, considered the patron saint of Goa, is revered throughout the state.

The casket containing the relics are kept for display on a ledge in the Basilica and brought down every ten years, for veneration by the public.