OLD GOA
With the nine-day Novena coming to an end on Wednesday, the stage is set to celebrate the Feast of St Francis Xavier at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa on Thursday.
This year though, on account of the Covid pandemic, the public will not be allowed to participate in the Masses which will be celebrated at 6 am, 7 am (both in Konkani), 8 am (English) and 6 pm (Spanish) and live-streamed on various channels.
The high mass will be celebrated at 10.30 am with Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao being the main celebrant along with other priests.
“A chosen few have been invited to physically partake in the high mass,” said Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes, at the end of the online Masses on Tuesday.
Other devotees, though, will get an opportunity to venerate the relic of St Francis Xavier from 5 am to 9 am and then from 1 pm to 8 pm.
“From December 4, the public will be allowed to participate in the 7 am and 8 am Masses, both in Konkani. However, those wishing to participate in the Masses will have to make prior registration on 9075212942. Only 100 people will be allowed to participate in the Masses,” said Fr Fernandes.
“From December 4, veneration of the relic will be allowed from 9 am to 5 pm,” he added.
