PANAJI
An estimated 6.5 million pilgrims and visitors are expected to attend the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa from November 21, 2024 till January 4, 2025.
Stating this, Fr Henry Falcão, Convenor of the Committee formed for the Exposition by the Church and Director of St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Goa, said this estimate of 6.5 million pilgrims and visitors will be 1.5 million more than the approximately 5 million at the previous Exposition in 2014.
SPIRITUAL EVENT
Fr Falcão said the Exposition is a spiritual event and the focus of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman is to use the occasion for the renewal of Christian life.
“I wish to remind everyone that the Exposition is a spiritual event, one that should help all of us to renew our Christian faith and life,” said Fr Falcão.
Fr Falcão said an Exposition Committee has been appointed by Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Ferrão, consisting of 15 members and headed by himself as the Convenor.
“For efficiency and effectiveness, each member of the Exposition Committee has been assigned a responsibility. Accordingly, there are Sub-Committees headed by the members, such as the Sub-committee for Art Exhibition, Sub-Committee for Communication and Media, Sub-Committee for Liturgy, etc.”
“The Theme of the Exposition aptly reminds us that we are called to be the messengers of the Good News. St Francis Xavier did his part to proclaim the Good News of Jesus; it is our turn now to do the same,” he said.
GOVT SUPPORT
When asked about the help provided by the State government, Fr Falcão said: “We need to understand that the Exposition is primarily a spiritual event and an event of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.”
“But since millions of devotees visit Goa during the 45 days of the Exposition, the government steps in to help in infrastructure and other facilities in which the Church has no competence, such as security, roads, water supply, electricity, fire services, ambulances, etc.”
“The Government has been supportive and helpful. There are Commissioners appointed by the Government, and the Exposition Committee works closely with them to ensure that the entire event is fruitful and memorable.”
Fr Falcão said pilgrims who wish to visit Goa on the occasion of the Exposition can make their own arrangements for boarding and lodging.
“Those who wish to contact the Committee for help can write to us at sfxexpo2024@gmail.com. Various pilgrim centres will accommodate pilgrims,” Fr Falcão added.
