Old Goa, October 29, 2024 – The Minister for Law and Judiciary, Shri Aleixo Sequeira, conducted a review meeting to assess the progress of preparations for the upcoming Solemn Exposition of the Relics of St. Francis Xavier. The event, scheduled to begin on November 21, 2024, will draw thousands of pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.
During the meeting, the Minister urged the concerned authorities to ensure all arrangements are completed on time. He emphasized the need for seamless coordination across departments to manage the large influx of visitors and ensure smooth functioning throughout the event.
Present at the meeting were key stakeholders, including MLA of Cumbharjua, Shri Rajesh Faldessai; social worker from the Cumbharjua constituency, Smt. Medha Parvatkar; Chief Engineer of PWD, Shri Uttam Parsekar; Commissioner of Labour, Shri Levinson Martins; SP North, Shri Tikam Singh, IPS; Director of the Department of IT, Shri Pravin Volvotkar; Police Inspector, Smt. Filomena Costa; and officials from the Electricity Department and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
History of the Feast and Solemn Exposition
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is one of Goa’s most celebrated religious events, held annually on December 3 at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. St. Francis Xavier, a Spanish missionary and one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity across Asia during the 16th century. He passed away in 1552, and his remains were later brought to Goa, where they are preserved in a silver casket inside the basilica.
The annual feast attracts people of all faiths, seeking blessings and miraculous healings from the revered saint. In addition to the yearly celebration, the Solemn Exposition of the Relics is held once every ten years, allowing devotees to venerate the relics more closely. The last exposition was held in 2014, and this year’s event is expected to welcome thousands of visitors from both India and abroad.
The upcoming exposition is a significant cultural and spiritual event for Goa, requiring meticulous planning to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. The relics of the saint will be displayed for public veneration for several weeks, leading to the grand feast on December 3.
For more updates on the event preparations, stay tuned to News Baba TV Goa and visit our website www.newsbabaonline.com.