Thousands of devotees flock to Old Goa as Novena of St Francis Xavier begins

The Novena Masses to ‘Goencho Saib’ St Francis Xavier began at the Basilica of Bom Jesus on Monday.

PANAJI

Thousands of devotees from all over the State and beyond flocked to Old Goa on Monday, as the Novena Masses to ‘Goencho Saib’ St Francis Xavier began at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Masses were celebrated at 6 am, 7.15 am, 8.30 am, 9.45 am, 11 am, 3.30 pm, 5 pm, and 6.15 pm (English) at the large pandal set up outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus to host all Novena and feast day Masses.

This year, the theme of the Novena and Feast of St Francis Xavier reflects a message of trust and perseverance: “Faith does not disappoint us; hence, like St Francis Xavier, let us be Pilgrims of Hope.”

The diocesan centres which were allotted the 3.30 pm Mass on Monday were Caritas Goa, Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE) and Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM).

The deaneries in the diocese which were allotted different Masses on Monday were Aldona (8.30 am), Canacona (9.45 am) and Mormugao (5 pm).

A large number of pilgrims from neighbouring states have already begun arriving in Old Goa, eager to participate in the Novena and the Feast of St Francis Xavier, one of Goa’s most revered annual events.