By Michael Gonsalves
As dawn broke over the historic Basilica of Bom Jesus on Dec 3, waves of pilgrims: families, youth groups, elderly devotees, and visitors from across India and abroad streamed into Old Goa, the former Portuguese capital in western India.
By mid-morning, more than 12,000 people had filled the expansive grounds for the annual feast of St Francis Xavier, one of Asia’s most beloved saints whose relics rest in the 16th-century church.
Amid the steady hum of prayers, processions, and hymn singing, Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes of Goa and Daman presided over the feast Mass at 10:30 a.m., flanked by Cardinal Filip Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, and Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias of Port Blair.
Preaching on the theme “Hope does not disappoint us; hence, like St Francis Xavier, let us be pilgrims of hope,” Bishop Fernandes integrated biblical imagery, environmental concerns, and the lasting legacy of the Spanish Jesuit missionary who brought Christianity to Goa nearly five centuries ago.
A feast that transcends faith
The feast of St Francis Xavier often called the Goencho Saib (Patron of Goa) draws huge crowds each year, spilling beyond the Basilica’s grounds into the narrow streets of Old Goa. For many, the pilgrimage is a deeply personal act of faith. For others, it is a lively cultural celebration.
Marius Fernandes, a well-known Goan festival curator, said the sight of over 12,000 pilgrims, every one of the 10,000 chairs filled, and thousands more standing was “remarkable.”
“For many, this pilgrimage is a profound spiritual experience,” he said.
But what truly makes it special is how it unites everyone: Hindus, Christians, Muslims, locals, diaspora Goans, and tourists. Some come for faith, others for culture, nostalgia, or simply to feel part of Goa’s living tradition.
The fairground atmosphere outside the Basilica lined with food stalls, music, and vendors, stood in contrast to the quiet reverence inside, where devotees queued up to catch a glimpse of the saint credited with countless miracles.
Jesuit Father Patricio Fernandes, rector of the Basilica, said thousands visit throughout the novena and feast days, many returning to give thanks for “favors and miracles performed in their lives.”
Pilgrimage on foot
Among this year’s pilgrims was a group of 130 people, who walked from four parishes in the Belgaum district, led by Jesuit Father Benito Fernandes. The group hiked 120 kilometers over four days, battling cold winds, rough terrain, and even crossing a river.
“More than 50 youth joined us this year,” he said. “Villagers along the way welcomed us with food and shelter. Faith kept them going.”
Some others arrived a day early, setting up tents and blankets around the nearby Sé Cathedral.
Father Jason Keith Fernandes, assistant parish priest, said he was moved by the devotion of families camping overnight.
“I have no words to describe the scene,” he said. “I even met a Hindu gentleman who told me he never misses his annual visit to see the saint.”
Centuries-old tradition renewed
Pantaleao Fernandes, author of Stories of Silver: St Francis Xavier, who attended with his family, said Goans feel an “earthy connection” with the saint.
“We have seen his body since childhood,” he said. “The bond is living and real.”
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also joined the celebration, praising the feast as an event that draws devotees “from Goa and surrounding states with great fervor.”
Bishop Fernandes reminded the faithful that the saint, who arrived on these shores by ship, brought hope to the poor and marginalized and continues to inspire millions.
“When one heart awakens, many others follow,” he said. “St Francis Xavier showed us the way. Now we are called to be pilgrims of hope for creation and for one another.”
As incense curled into the morning air and hymns echoed through the Basilica, the feast once again revealed why St Francis Xavier remains one of the most enduring symbols of Goa’s spiritual and cultural identity. – UCA News
