It was a momentous occasion for the Ex-Paulites of Goa on October 26 when they gifted the Statue of St Francis Xavier to their alma mater, St Paul’s High School, Belagavi as a symbol of love and gratitude toward the Jesuits who shaped their lives. The iconic statue was sculpted by a renowned artisan of Goa. In a solemn ceremony the statue was placed prominently in the school chapel. This historic event coincides with the upcoming Exposition of the Relics of St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa this month. The ceremony was graced by Fr Simon Fernandes SJ, Rector, Manager & Principal; Fr. Alendro da Costa SJ, Vice Principal; Pradeep Colaco, President of the Ex-Paulites Association of Goa; along with select members who accompanied the statue to Belagavi for its installation. Fr. Simon in his address thanked the Goa Paulites for their generous donation and enlightened the gathering on the life and mission of St Francis Xavier. Colaco expressed his gratitude to the school’s management and hoped that the saint would continue to strengthen the bonds shared between the alumni in Goa, Belgaum, and Paulites around the world.
