Churches in the world heritage complex of Old Goa opened their doors in September on the feast day of the Nativity of Mary. The churches were accessible to devotees and parishioners and the attendance was strictly monitored.
However, the churches remained out of bounds to tourists and the public. The novenas, leading to the feast of St. Francis Xavier on December 3, are to commence in a few days from now.
Thousands of devotees from Goa and the neighbouing states attend these masses which are held in a special enclosure outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
The question that arises is what will be the new normal that will be adopted to celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier this year. Will the novena masses and the masses on the feast day be only telecast live just like the masses at the Basilica are being telecast these days? Will a limited number of devotees be allowed to attend the masses in the Basilica? Will there be online booking for attending the masses during these days?
Some announcements in this regard from the church authorities seem necessary. The huge fair that comes up during these days will obviously be absent this year.
