Basilica unveils details of novena, feast of St Francis Xavier

THE GOAN NETWORK

OLD GOA

The Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa has unveiled details of Novena and Feast of St Francis Xavier.

The theme for this Novena and Feast of St Francis Xavier is “Bhagevont. Fransisk-achi Dekh Gheun ami Jezuche Govai” (By Walking in the Footsteps of St Francis Xavier, let us Bear witness to Christ), stated a press note issued by Basilica of Bom Jesus Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes.

While people from every nook and corner of Goa would traditionally converge at Old Goa for the Saibachem Novena and Fest, Covid-19 has reversed the tide this year and the liturgy will now be celebrated in every parish, chapel and institution in Goa, in India and all over the world, he said.

MASSES

During the Novena days, Fr Fernandes said each dean who represents a cluster of parishes is chosen to celebrate the Konkani Mass at 6 am and 7 am. A member of a few religious congregations, including the diocese, will celebrate the English Mass at 8 am.

On the Feast Day, Masses will be celebrated at 6 am and 7 am in Konkani, 8 am in English and 10.30 am (High Mass).

VENERATION

Since it’s not possible to congregate because of MHA restrictions, veneration of the Relic will be allowed from November 15 to December 2 from 10 am to 4 pm and on the Feast Day (December 3) from 2 pm to 8 pm.

The MHA guidelines also do not allow garlands, candles, water bottles, touching and kissing of statues, holy water fonts, etc. Dress code will be implemented while entering the premises.

TELECAST

Due to COVID-19, Novena Masses will not be open to public at the Basilica. All Masses will be telecast live on the Basilica website (https://www.bomjesus.org/), the Basilica YouTube channel: Official-Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa and the Diocesan Centre (https://www.archgoadaman.com/). The Novena Masses will also be telecast on CCRTV, AE Media and GCTV.

Daily from 5 am, there will be Adoration and prayers for 45 minutes before the blessed sacrament. Devotees can also watch other programmes of a shorter duration on the life of St Francis Xavier, and the gist of the liturgy of the day.

NOVENA SCHEDULE

Different Novena Masses have been assigned to various deaneries, congregations, regional and foreign languages, and prayers will be offered for the apostolate of the Centres that function in the diocese.

NOVEMBER 24: Prayers for the Biblical Apostolate and Masses are allotted to Calangute Deanery (6 am), Benaulim Deanery (7 am), Blessed Sacrament Fathers (SSS) (8 am) and Tamil language (6 pm).

NOVEMBER 25: Prayers for the Youth Apostolate and Masses are allotted to Raia Deanery (6 am), Canacona Deanery (7 am), Pallottine (SAC) (8 am) and Malayalam language (6 pm).

NOVEMBER 26: Prayers for the Family Apostolate and Sick and Masses are allotted to Ponda Deanery (6 am), Pernem Deanery (7 am), Dominicans (OP) (8 am) and Hindi language (6 pm).

NOVEMBER 27: Prayers for the Social Apostolate and Masses are allotted to Goa Velha Deanery (6 am), Bicholim Deanery (7 am), Redemptorists (CSSR) (8 am) and French language (6 pm).

NOVEMBER 28: Prayers for the Liturgical Apostolate and Masses are allotted to Siolim Deanery (6 am), Quepem Deanery (7 am), Carmelites (OCD) (8 am) and Italian language (6 pm).

NOVEMBER 29: Prayers for the Lay Faithful and Masses are allotted to Old Goa Deanery (6 am), Mormugao Deanery (7 am), Salesians (SDB) (8 am) and Telugu language (6 pm).

NOVEMBER 30: Prayers for the Priests, Religious Brothers and Masses are allotted to Verna Deanery (6 am), Chinchinim Deanery (7 am), Diocesan seminary and priests (8 am) and Portuguese language (6 pm).

DECEMBER 1: Prayers for the Women Religious and Masses are allotted to Mapusa Deanery (6 am), Margao Deanery (7 am), CRI sister congregations (8 am) and Marathi language (6 pm).

DECEMBER 2: Prayers for the Faith Formation and Masses are allotted to Panaji Deanery (6 am), Sanguem Deanery (7 am), Pilar Society (SFX) (8 am) and Kannada language (6 pm).

DECEMBER 3: Masses have been allotted to Aldona Deanery (6 am), Tiatrists (7 am), Jesuit congregation (8 am) and Spanish language (6 pm).