A sea of humanity was visible at the feast of St Francis Xavier on Monday as people of all faiths and communities thronged the Basilica to pay obeisance to the patron saint of Goa. There were pilgrimages of various communities making their way to Old Goa by foot from within and outside the State, some walking from neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra, and devotees descended from almost all walks of life in an overwhelming devotion to the saint.
At the feast mass, the main celebrant, Bishop from Baroda Sebastian Mascarenhas delivered a spirited Homily and appealed to people to take the heritage of St Francis Xavier forward by ushering in peace and unity, reaching out to the poor and being forgiving in families and communities. Among the festivity, was another distinctive picture that has been a hallmark every year on feast day -- politicos of all hues living up to the tradition and paying their respects to the saint; thousands of people from various communities paying flowery tributes, lighting candles and praying devoutly.
Goa’s festivals and feasts showcase a unique communal unity and peace of the State, a trait that has been synonymous with its identity over the years. Since time immemorial, legislators have been taking part in the feast mass and subsequent celebrations with snacks and other savouries. The bonhomie shown by politicos across parties and religion and their involvement has always been a welcome sight.
The question is about holding on to this brotherhood, unity and harmony outside the hallowed precincts of the Basilica and other feasts. While the Old Goa feast has always amplified peace, harmony, and unity, the impression one gets is that a large section of people and politicos see the feast as a grand stage of symbolism. Outside, we are a picture of religious turmoil, where sections of people and political class are divided on communal lines.
As Goans, we are failing if this brotherhood is not reflected in our day-to-day lives, and if violence, vengeance and communal provocation have taken over. If the mutual respect for people and communities is not visible on the ground, these dignified appearances in churches and temples would be mere appeasement tools.
Goa would be a much happier place if the halo of brotherhood is carried outside the feasts and festivals, and beyond the boundaries of churches and temples. The greatest test for any political leader is not only to show solidarity by attending feasts and zatras of other religions, but to walk that path by fostering peace and becoming crisis negotiators when situations escalate out of hand.
The State has undergone a churn lately, and there have been palpable tensions simmering with a jarring communal tune playing in the background. There have been times when the State came dangerously close to communal flare-ups on the lines of some other states. There were fears raised that Goa may go the Manipur way. These are testing times for those who wear religion on their sleeve.
The feast of St Francis Xavier is a shining example of togetherness, and it is for people across all communities, faiths and political hues to shun hatred and tokenism and live the spirit of humanity.
