Feast of St. Francis Xavier in Goa | Feast of St. Francis Xavier of Goa

Goa's Feast of St. Francis Xavier is the patron saint of Goa and the Feast of St. Francis Xavier of Goa is held on the 3rd of December every year to commemorate his demise. He was also referred to as "Goencho Saib" which means the Lord of Goa. During the Feast of St. Francis Xavier in Goa, devotees from all over the country and abroad trickle in to Old Goa to take part in the ceremonies.

Feast of St. Francis Xavier in Goa is attended each year by over two lakh devotees.

The Feast has a Pontifical Mass performed by an assembly of clergy holding high ranks. On this particular day the pilgrims begin to assemble at the Basilica of Bom Jesus early in the morning.

The High Mass takes place in the mid-morning and is attended by the devotees. Many of them reach the Church on foot from Ambelim in Assolna in Salcete.

The transport system is thrown into disarray due to the rush of the crowd on this day. Another customary ritual associated with the Goa's Feast of St. Francis Xavier is that the pilgrims have to line up to be able to kiss the relics of the saint. This act is believed to usher in good luck and happiness.

More than anything else, this act testifies to the love and devotion that the Goans cherish for their "Goencho Saib". This ritual continues for several days even after the Feast.

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier takes place every year on 3rd December, to commemorate the death of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. Thousands of devotees from all over the country and abroad, gather in Old Goa to attend the feast of “Goencho Saib” meaning The Lord of Goa to honor his contribution to Christianity and the Jesuit Community. The festival is best known for the ritual kissing of the Saint’s relic.

Background

Born to aristocratic parents in Spain, Saint Francis, along with Saint Ignatius of Loyola and five others, founded the Society of Jesus on August 15, 1534. St. Francis, widely known for his missionary work abroad landed in Goa on 6th May 1542. He carried on the work of conversion in India, Malacca, Ceylon, Japan, China (Hong Kong). He died before reaching mainland China on December 2nd, 1552 at the age of 46. The remains of his mortal frame was shipped to Goa in 1553, December 11 and kept at the Basilica of Bom Jesus where it now stays. That the body of the saint has remained incorrupt till date, have encouraged much debate and is considered to be a reflection of his power and miracle by the devout.

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