MANUEL VAZ
OLD GOA
This year’s theme for St Francis Xavier’s Novena and Feast at Old Goa will focus on living the beatitudes and leading a holy life.
Speaking to The Goan, Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes informed that the theme chosen for this year’s Novena and Feast is ‘Like St Francis Xavier, let us live the beatitudes and be holy’.
The main celebrant for the feast mass will be Bishop Percival Fernandes from the Archdiocese of Bombay.
Explaining about the theme, Fr Fernandes stated that the Pope is inviting all to live a holy life and we can live such a life by living the beatitudes of Jesus. “Anyone who lives with and in Jesus is bound to go through this,” he added.
Elaborating further, Fr Fernandes stated that blessed are pure in heart for they shall see God, adding “the more clarity that is in a person, freed from thoughts and feelings, not attached to worldly things will be pure inside.”
“Those who are pure in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom is already here but we are not able to see that,” the Rector went on to add.
“Then one becomes gentle, merciful, person of peace and they shall be called children of God,” the Rector opined and stated that at the same time one should also go through sufferings.
“Those who are living righteous life will be persecuted for His sake,” the priest pointed out, but said one should not worry about it because to such people belongs the kingdom of heaven.
Fr Patricio further stated, “we should allow Jesus to do things for us. Sometimes we want to live and do things for Him when it is the other way round as He wants to do things through us and that’s how we become more Christians.”
Efforts on for pilgrims to get
a better experience: Rector
the goan I network
OLD GOA
Even as preparations have started in the right earnest for the celebration of novenas and feast of St Francis Xavier, the Church is looking into ways to make it a better experience for the pilgrims than before.
Speaking to The Goan, Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes informed that preparations have already begun. “The Liturgical Commission has met and the themes for all novenas have been decided. The arrangement for masses has been done, posters are ready and the booklet is going to be out soon on which work is in progress,” Fr Fernandes informed while adding that a meeting was held with the North Goa collector along with officials concerned and the process is set in motion.
Fr Fernandes further stated that this year they are going to ensure that mistakes are not repeated.
“Last year, the power went off for a short while disturbing the services, so this year we have requested for a generator as backup,” the priest said.
“Officials concerned have also been asked to ensure proper water supply and also ensure that street lights are made functional.
“Last year, the pilgrims could not be accommodated on the second floor of the Basilica as the flooring is bad. The Church and the ASI are working out modalities on resolving the issue.
“I have also asked PWD to put pavers in the open area near the grotto so that pilgrims who want to be close to the church could use that area,” he added.
“We are also planning to put fans inside the pandal as people complained about feeling hot inside. The height of the pandal, which would be all metal, will be also increased,” Fr Fernandes stated and informed the use of LED lights is also being explored.
Meanwhile, Fr Fernandes informed that he has received a couple of proposals for holding a programme, a musical or a Tiatr “ based on the life of St Francis Xavier.
“It would be good if the same is held on the night of December 2 as there are thousands of people in Old Goa at that time,” Fr Fernandes stated, but added that the difficulty is putting up a separate stage for the same as it could not be held on the main stage due to preparations for the feast day.
“I am talking to some people about it but nothing has been decided as yet as it is additional responsibility,” the Rector added.
