OLD GOA
Basilica of Bom Jesus Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes said the Basilica Committee and his community and collaborators have long since been envisaging the reopening of the Basilica for devotees and tourists.
“After notifying the ASI and taking the North Collector into confidence, the proposed new way of celebrating the Novena and Feast of Goyencho Saib was displayed, which would include a dispersive yet collective celebration of Goyencho Saib 2020.”
“On November 10, a pilot experimental project was initiated to test the waters of the flow of devotees and tourists. Envisaging a structure, with a system of two canopies to implement the SOPs, and barricades to promote social distancing, a pilgrimage path for a religious experience meandering from the entry through the Sacro Sactorum to the relics of St Francis Xavier and from there to the exit was a satisfying and acceptable formulation.”
“On Day 1, while constructing the pathway, 1,200 people visited the Basilica and expressed a good feeling. The numbers increased to 1,550 (November 11), 2,200 (November 12), 3,100 (November 13), 3,650 (November 14) and 5,000 (November 15).”
“Signalling the official announcement of the opening of the Basilica, the people will gush in and empower us all to avail of a better experience. It will be a paperless novena and feast this year,” Fr Fernandes added.
