OLD GOA
Amidst enhanced security, the nine-day Novenas to St Francis Xavier will begin on Saturday with Masses beginning at 6 am and concluding at 6.15 pm.
The other Masses are scheduled at 7.15 am, 8.30 am, 11 am, 3.30 pm, and 5 pm. There will be no Mass at 9.45 am as there will be feast of St Catherina in the Se Cathedral at 10 am.
The Maddi was held on Friday with Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes celebrating the Mass.
Later speaking to reporters, Fr Fernandes said that all preparations are completed.
“As for the spiritual preparations, we are all ready and the other preparations are also being completed,” Fr Fernandes stated.
To the question of a security threat, Fr Fernandes stated that they were informed that due to the ongoing Palestine conflict, there could be some security threat.
“Accordingly, the agencies have adopted security measures,” Fr Fernandes informed.
Meanwhile, a large number of tourists who had gone to visit the Basilica on Friday evening had to return disappointed as the entry to the church was closed due to the work underway.
Sources informed that the entry was stopped to avoid any untoward incident when the work was ongoing.
