The ‘tomb’ of St Francis Xavier which has been recreated at Sharjah.
Goans in Sharjah have been participating in the Novena of St Francis Xavier, but this year they decided to add a unique touch to the celebration. They recreated the ‘tomb’ of Goencho Saib at the St Michael's Church in Sharjah.
The ‘tomb’ created by the St Michael's Sharjah Goan Community (SMSGC) has been appreciated far and wide.
Xavier Azavedo, President and Coordinator of the Sharjah Goan Committee, said the idea of recreating the ‘tomb’ of St Francis Xavier, a replica of the original tomb at the Bom Jesus Basilica in Old Goa, was suggested by a SMSGC member Agnelo Rodrigues and his wife Retti.
“This was discussed in our meeting, and we all thought it was a great idea. It was not an easy task as we had to ensure we got a clear picture of the original tomb at the Basilica in Old Goa.”
“We managed to get a clear print and once this was done, we started working on the replica. Over the next one month, SMSGC members began painstakingly recreating the ‘tomb’, which was made of wood. Even the flowers by the side of the ‘tomb’ were handmade by Agnelo and Retti Rodriques,” said Azavedo.
Azavedo acknowledged the dedication and hard work of those involved in designing and recreating the ‘tomb’, which included Agnelo Rodrigues, Retti Rodrigues, William Miranda, Mary Baretto, Rachel Rodriques, Reagan Rodriques, Marionette Mendes and Phillip Fernandes.
Agnelo Rodrigues and Retti Rodrigues, who were among the key members of the team, said they had been depicting various aspects of St Francis Xavier.
“In 2020, we started with the Old Goa Church as the grotto and last year, it was the miracle hand of St Francis Xavier. This year, we decided to depict the tomb of St Francis Xavier,” said Agnelo.
“The thought came up when the committee requested us to plan the grotto in September. My wife Retti and I thought about the tomb and our only condition was that we would proceed only if we can get a clear print of the SFX tomb, which can be printed. By God’s Grace, we got the required image after 2-3 attempts and then we started the whole process.”
“Once we got the clear print of the desired size, we started working on the ‘tomb’ from October end. The ‘tomb’ is made up of wood, while the flowers around it have been handmade by Retti, our children Rachel and Reagan, along with a few friends and me.”
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 tomb has received a lot of appreciation from parishioners of St Michael’s Church and the surrounding Churches,” said Retti.
‘Magnificent artwork by Goan community’
Fr Raul Fernandes OFM Cap, a priest from Goa who will be the main celebrant at the Feast Mass at St Michael’s Church in Sharjah, praised the Goan community for their creativity in recreating the tomb of St Francis Xavier.
“I am astonished after looking at the magnificent artwork by the Goan community in Sharjah. I still wonder whether it is real or a replica. It is indeed an outstanding masterpiece of art. This beautiful piece really evokes so many emotions,” remarked Fr Fernandes.
“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.”
Goans participate in the Novena of St Francis Xavier at St Michael's Church in Sharjah.
