Staff Reporter
Old Goa
Thousands of Goan pilgrims patiently waited in queues, along with other visitors, early Saturday morning to pay their respects to the relics of Saint Francis Xavier “for the final time” on January 4, marking the conclusion of the Exposition.
“This is my fourth visit here. Today signifies the culmination of the Exposition. Uncertain of witnessing the next ten-yearly Exposition, I am here today,” said Cynthia Cardoz, a 67-year-old resident of Pomburpa, accompanied by her daughter at her behest.
A couple from Vasai, Maharashtra, shared that this was their second visit, joined by their youngest daughter, born following their plea for the saint’s intercession.
“Today presents the last opportunity to venerate the relics. With the next decade distant, we sought his blessings for ourselves and our loved ones. We are departing for the UK on Monday,” said another couple, mentioning their attendance at the Mass on the Feast day, followed by veneration.
“I have come here again on the last day of the Exposition to seek blessing and protection of Goencho Saib for the people of Goa. I also prayed asking the saint’s intervention in protecting Goa from the destroyers,” said South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes.
While the queues were lengthy in the early hours, the crowd reduced by noon. Notably, a substantial gathering emerged during the concluding hours of the veneration on Saturday.
Vice-chairperson of the Exposition Secretariat, Aleixo Sequeira, alongside Commissioner of the Exposition Secretariat, Sandip Jacques, diligently supervised the arrangements for the culminating day of the Exposition.
They met with Fr Henry Falcao, convener of the Church Exposition Committee, and other clergy members to finalise the preparations, including the mausoleum and the electric vehicle designated to transport the relic to Basilica of Bom Jesus from Se Cathedral church.
Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor Rohit Monseratte said emphasis was laid on cleanliness and tree pruning by CCP.
He extended gratitude to the church and governmental authorities for the successful execution of the Exposition.
