OLD GOA
The decennial 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier was officially inaugurated on Thursday with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto, followed by the solemn procession of the Sacred Relics on an electric carriage from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the Se Cathedral.
Delivering his homily on the theme ‘Sent forth to proclaim the Kingdom of God’, Archbishop Couto said the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier is a time of grace and renewal, not only for those who come to venerate the relics, but also for the Church in India.
“It serves as a reminder and a call for all of us to renew our own lives, reflecting on the transformation that took place in St Francis Xavier's life after his encounter with Jesus,” said the Prelate.
The archbishop recalled the spiritual journey of St Francis Xavier and said that, he dedicated himself tirelessly to spreading the Gospel of Jesus, planting seeds of faith wherever he went.
“Today, the fruits of that faith are evident in nations around the world,” said Archbishop Couto.
In an appeal to the faithful, Archbishop Couto said, “When we encounter Jesus in our lives, we become the salt that adds flavour to the world and the light that leads others.”
Other Prelates concelebrating in the Mass included Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão (Archbishop of Goa and Daman), Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas (Bishop of Daltonganj Diocese), Bishop Visuvasam Selvaraj (Bishop of Port Blair Diocese), Bishop Joseph Raja Rao (Bishop of Vijaywada Diocese), Bishop Simiao Fernandes (Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman), Bishop Alex Dias (Bishop-Emeritus of Port Blair Diocese) and Bishop Diminic Lumon (Bishop-Emeritus of Imphal Diocese).
Nearly 600 priests were among the clergy who also concelebrated the Mass.
Earlier, Cardinal Ferrão welcomed all the bishops, priests, religious, government officials, pilgrims from Karnataka and Maharashtra and the faithful gathered and asked the faithful to pray that this spiritual event may benefit lives.
Fr Mariano D’Costa Director of Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate was the liturgical commentator while Fr Candido Fernandes, Director of the Pastoral Institute, Old Goa, animated the liturgy. Fr Romeo Monteiro, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, led the liturgical singing, while Fr Henry Falcao later thanked the gathering.
