OLD GOA: Thousands of devotees from all over the State flocked to Old Goa to participate in the nine-day novena services in preparation for the feast of St Francis Xavier, which began at the Bom Jesus Basilica on Wednesday.
Devotees were seen in large numbers participating in the services, which began with the first mass in the pandal at 6 am, followed by masses at 7 am, 8.15 am, 9.30 and 10.30 am, 3.45 pm, 5.15 pm and 6.15 pm. “We had a huge congregation for the first mass at 6 am, while the other masses throughout the day had a normal turnout," Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica Fr Savio Baretto said.
According to the Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus Fr Savio Baretto, this year, the theme of the feast has been dedicated to Blessed Joseph Vaz, ‘Witnessing through Christian values into the footsteps of St Francis Xavier and Blessed Joseph Vaz.’
This year, the feast mass will be concelebrated by Archbishop of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracious along with other priests from in and around the State.
When asked how things are being worked out for the next eight novenas, Fr Baretto said: “Today, there was a meeting with the Collector. Though I was unable to attend it, I had sent my representative who discussed shortcomings like problems of sanitation, toilets and especially the problem of challenged people, who were finding it difficult to move in and around Basilica campus.”
“My representative also asked the Collector to work on the garbage problem, which was seen lying everywhere during the novena’s and feast day,” added Fr Barretto. (HD)
We all anxiously wait for this great feast every year. It is our tradition that each and every household has to make this annual pilgrimage to Old Goa to seek the blessings of our patron Saint St. Francis Xavier without whose presence and protection, we do not have anything to be concerned for. It is a matter of importance and significant to all the Goans and other devotees irrespective of religion, caste or creed to pray to him. St. Francis intercede and pray for us.
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