OLD GOA
Old Goa turned into a sea of people as tens of thousands flocked the former capital city of Goa for the feast of St Francis Xavier with Masses beginning as early as 4 am.
The Solemn High Mass was presided over by Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, with Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Bom Jesus Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes, Vicar General Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes being the concelebrants along with priests from all over Goa.
Addressing the packed congregation at the High Mass, Archbishop Girelli said that in the past, Goa was like a beacon of faith of Jesus Christ for the whole India.
“We have to be again a beacon, like a lighthouse, for all India and whole Asia continent like St Francis Xavier, who was not Goan by birth but became Goan by heart.”
“Because, he came here, loved Goa, embraced whole Asia so that Asians could know Jesus Christ and follow the values of Gospel. We should be the light to other people and should attract them with our good example, our faithful Christian life,” Archbishop Girelli said.
Earlier in his homily, Archbishop Girelli described St Francis Xavier as one of the greatest preachers of apostolic zeal since the time of the Apostles who had the great ambition to bring the world to Jesus Christ.
“He proclaimed the Gospel to the poor and sick, spending most of his time ministering to their needs. I was gladly informed that St Francis Xavier is fondly revered by several Goans, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, and is popularly and affectionately called “Goencho Saib”.”
“Several people from all over the country flock to this Basilica to seek God’s protection and grace through his intercession. It was this saintly priest who walked the streets of this very city, giving solace to so many persons and imparting to them the values of the Kingdom of God.”
“If we are faithful to Christ’s calling then He will equip us for our work in his vineyard no matter how tough our challenge may be,” Archbishop Girelli said and informed that Jesus rushed to the least, to the last and to the lost.
“It is necessary to go out and proclaim. Let us allow Him to enter our lives and invite us to go out to the margins of life and proclaim the Gospel. Let us resolve to give Christ the central place in our lives and to obey his command to go and make disciples of all nations,” Archbishop Girelli proclaimed.
Many politicians attended the feast mass which included Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai, Opposition leader Yuri Alemao, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, GPCC President Amit Patkar, among others.
Masses on the Feast Day were celebrated at 4 am, 5 am, 6 am, 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, High Mass at 10.30 am, 12.30 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm (English).
Meanwhile, the rush of people flocking to Old Goa was evident with traffic jams being witnessed for major part of the day, particularly near the Old Goa-Neura junction, and every inch of the parking lots being occupied.
