St.Francis Xavier, referred to as "Goencho Saib" (Lord of Goa) by Goans, is the Patron Saint of Goa. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is a feast held every year on the 3rd of December - the day he was buried - after nine days of prayer, called the Novena. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier hosts various ceremonies to honor the Saint's death. It assumed more significance this year due to the 16th Solemn Exposition of holy relics of the Saint from November 21 to January 2. The silver casket containing the remains of the Saint is kept at the Se Cathedral for the veneration and kissing of devotees since November 21.

Over two lakh devotees from across the country as well as abroad attend the Feast, which has a Pontifical Mass performed by an assembly of high-ranking clergy.

The whole scenario is transformed overnight during the annual novenas and feast of St. Francis Xavier. Pilgrims converge on the Born Jesus Basilica from distant Kerala and Tamil Nadu, from neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra, as well as from the remotest corners of the Peninsula, and even from far-flung countries and climates. The crowd reaches its culmination on the Feast day when all roads in Goa lead to the Basilica. Thousands flock to Old Goa on the occasion of the Feast on St. Francis Xavier and make a mockery of the transport system that is rendered grossly inadequate to cope with the rush. The gardens and wide open spaces that are usually deserted are, during these days, crowded with pilgrims representing the whole mosaic of Indian races and religions. St. Francis Xavier is often invoked by his followers for his healing powers.

Last Updated on 4^th October 2010