BELAGAVI
The Feast of St Francis Xavier was celebrated in Belagavi on Thursday, with special prayer services and masses held in all the churches of the city in honour of the patron saint of Goan settlers who have settled in the upper ghats regions of north Karnataka and south Maharashtra.
Principal of St Xavier's High School, Fr Nelson Pinto, who was the main celebrant at the Konkani mass at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church here, emphasised on the sacrifices made by St Francis Xavier who left Spain and travelled to India to serve the downtrodden and marginalized.
“It was not easy for St Francis who arrived in Goa in 1542 to leave his motherland and adopt the new language, culture and extreme conditions in India. However, he embraced God's mission and accepted sufferings to the greater glory of God,” Fr Pinto said, while seeking the Saint's blessings for all, particularly the Goan settlers who reside in the upper ghats region.
Vicar General of the Diocese of Belgaum, Fr Lucio Mascarenhas, who was also present for the feast mass, sought blessings of the patron saint on all. A special procession was also held after the mass.
A large number of Catholics and devotees of St Francis were present for the mass and the celebrations that ensued. The mass was offered by St Francis Xavier Association.
