The replica of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier in a glass casket at the St Michael's Church in Sharjah.
SHARJAH
The Exposition of St Francis Xavier will take place in Old Goa next year, but Goans in Sharjah recreated an “exposition” of an unusual sort which drew widespread praise and appreciation from the over 1,000 people present at the St Michael's Church, Sharjah.
The St Michael's Sharjah Goan Community (SMSGC) have been celebrating the Novena and Feast of St Francis Xavier for many years and they have, in recent times, added a unique touch to their celebrations but designing replicas of different aspects pertaining to the saint.
Previously, they had designed the Bom Jesus Basilica, the Tomb and Mausoleum and the different miracles associated with St Francis Xavier.
“This year, the community celebrated the Feast on December 2 and designed a replica of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier in a glass casket, keeping in mind the Exposition of the Sacred Relics scheduled in Old Goa next year,” said Xavier Azavedo, President and Coordinator of SMSGC
“This idea was suggested by a SMSGC member Agnelo Rodrigues and his wife Retti Rodriques. The suggestion was discussed in our meeting, and we all thought it was a great idea.”
“Over the next one month, Agnelo and Retti began painstakingly recreating the replica of the Sacred Relics which was made of wood. Everything by the side of the glass casket was hand made by Agnelo and Retti Rodriques,” said Azavedo.
Azavedo acknowledged the dedication and hard work of those involved in designing and recreating the entire grotto, which included Agnelo Rodrigues and Retti Rodrigues, who were assisted by Vincent Miranda, Mary Baretto, Rachel Rodrigues and Reagan Rodrigues.
“The thought came up when the committee requested us to plan the grotto in September. My wife Retti and I thought about the Exposition which will be held in 2024,” said Agnelo.
Children dressed as angels and other devotees at the St Michael's Church in Sharjah.
Added Retti: “When we saw the final product, we were pleased as it came out even more beautiful than what we set out for, all thanks to our Lord and St Francis Xavier.”
“During the whole process, we received good support from committee members and their families. All this would have not happened without our SMSGC President Xavier Azavedo, and we thank him for giving us this opportunity and entrusting us with this job.”
“We were pleased that our Sacred Relics in the glass casket has received a lot of appreciation from parishioners of St Michael’s Church and the surrounding Churches,” said Retti.
The Feast Mass was followed by a Traditional Goan Brass Band, a cultural programme in the Parish Hall and traditional Goan food.
‘Magnificent artwork by Goan community’
Fr Kennedy Menezes OFM Cap, a priest from Goa who was the main celebrant for the Novena and Feast Mass at the St Michael’s Church in Sharjah, praised the Goan community for their creativity.
“I am astonished after looking at the magnificent artwork by the Goan community in Sharjah. I felt like I was in Goa. It is indeed an outstanding masterpiece of art. This beautiful piece really evokes so many emotions,” remarked Fr Menezes.
“I really admire the enthusiasm and hard work put up by the Goan community at Sharjah to make the Novena and Feast of St Francis Xavier a memorable one. I really appreciate their love and affection they have for St Francis Xavier. May our ‘Goencho Saib’ St Francis Xavier bless them abundantly.”
