Margao: The 18th decennial Exposition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier at Old Goa concluded on Sunday with a call to devotees to live lives of truth, service, and surrender to God. The day coincided with the Feast of the Epiphany of Jesus, drawing thousands of faithful to the once-in-a-decade event.
In his sermon, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao reflected on the theme, ‘We are messengers of the joy of the Gospel, we are pilgrims of hope’, urging the faithful to embody this message in their daily lives. Referencing the Gospel reading of the day, Cardinal Ferrao spoke of three attitudes toward Jesus: Herod’s attitude, marked by anger and hostility, the high priests’ attitude, characterised by indifference, and the wise men’s attitude, embodying a spirit of search, discernment, surrender, and worship.
“The attitude of surrender and adoration was central to the life of St Francis Xavier, and we too are called to adopt these attitudes in our lives,” the Cardinal said. He drew parallels between the wise men’s gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—and the life and ministry of Jesus, calling the faithful to live according to truth, foster unity in their communities, and replace enmity with brotherhood and understanding.
“Jesus calls us to carry our crosses and follow Him, just as St Francis Xavier did despite the many struggles he faced. His example inspires us to live lives of faith, truth, and service, bringing people together and remaining steadfast in our devotion,” Cardinal Ferrao added.
The solemn closing mass was concelebrated by several bishops, including Bishop Ignatius Loyola Ivan Mascarenhas of Simla and Chandigarh, Bishop Lumen Monteiro of Agartala, Bishop Emeritus Aleixo Dias, and Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes of Goa and Daman, alongside numerous priests, religious, and lay faithful.
The exposition, a deeply revered tradition, served as a time of spiritual renewal and reflection for countless devotees who gathered to honour the life and mission of St Francis Xavier, affectionately known as Goa’s patron saint.
