PANAJI: Nearly 20 days into the Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier, Old Goa has witnessed an impressive turnout of 15 lakh visitors.
As per Commissioner of the Exposition Sandip Jacques, over 15 lakh devotees visited Old Goa from Nov 21 to Dec 9 to participate in the religious event. The Feast Day on Dec 3 recorded the highest attendance, with about 2.25 lakh people attending special services and venerating the saint.
The IAS officer spoke about the extensive planning and preparation that went into organizing the event.
Jacques highlighted that this year's event had a much better-organized setup compared to previous expositions, particularly in terms of cleanliness.
"Great efforts were made to keep the entire area, including the Basilica and surrounding churches, clean and well-maintained. Cleanliness is next to godliness," he said, emphasizing how important it was to create a pleasant environment for the pilgrims.
The event's success also relied heavily on the support and coordination of various government departments. Jacques also mentioned that regular meetings were held to address any challenges and quickly resolve any issues that arose during the exposition.
Reflecting on his role as Exposition Commissioner, Jacques expressed his gratitude and pride in being chosen for the position. "I feel blessed, especially through the intercession of Saint Francis Xavier," he said, adding that the entire team was working with a sense of devotion and dedication, guided by the blessings of the saint
