While hectic preparations are underway for the exposition of the holy relics of Goa’s patron saint, St Francis Xavier, commencing on November 21, a word of caution needs to be sounded by the priests of the Basilica through public announcements at every mass, warning against pickpockets and fraudsters masquerading as church officials with donation boxes in the church premises and outside, seeking donations for various church activities and projects.
This is a standard modus operandi of impostors every year during the nine-day novena days and on the feast day, December 3. Every precaution should, therefore, be undertaken by the church authorities to prevent such occurrences, which are expected to worsen given the mammoth crowd expected at the venue.
