OLD GOA
Stating that it was a challenge to organise the Novena and Feast of St Francis Xavier on account of Covid, Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes was all praise for the army of volunteers for making it possible.
“Our volunteers slogged a lot as they had to wake up early in the morning and go to sleep late in the night. I appreciate their immense contribution, particularly when the rains poured,” Fr Fernandes said.
He also said all devotees came for Masses wearing masks.
“Neil Monteiro provided the hand sanitisers and his personnel along with our volunteers helped in sanitising the devotees at various entry points,” Fr Fernandes added and informed that most of the times, social distancing was maintained barring a few occasions when there were too many people.
“The gap of one-and-half hour between Masses helped tremendously as the people could exit and enter without any rush. Many people told me that this time-table has helped them as they did not have to rush to participate in the Mass and crowding was avoided,” Fr Fernandes added.
