Feast of St. Francis Xavier and visit to Pilgrimage of Heart
\”Radiate Christian Values to the World\” said the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli in his sermon during the Feast of St. Francis Xavier at Old Goa, during the feast mass at 10.30 am, on 3rd December, 2022. He expressed his happiness that people, irrespective of Cast, Creed or Religion come to St. Francis Xavier to pray and Pay homage. He envisaged that St. Francis Xavier, filled by the experience of Christ, came to give that same experience of God, giving solace to so many persons and imparting in them the good values of the Kingdom of God. He urged Christians to proclaim the gospel values to the world, to share the Joy with others. He urged Christians to Give Christ the central Place in their own lives.
Earlier his Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao Welcomed the Apostolic Nuncio and expressed his joy that he accepted his invitation to celebrate the Feast mass of St. Francis Xavier at Old Goa. He also welcomed the gathering comprising of Priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, people coming on walking pilgrimage from neighbouring parts of Goa. he also welcomed the Chief Minister, other ministers, MLA\’s and Civil authorities who made a point to participate in the Mass. He appreciated the gesture of the Governor Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai for participating in the mass in the morning. He invoked God\’s Blessings upon all who were gathered there and called everyone to foster seeds of Communion, Participation and Mission.
At the end Fr. Patricio Fernandes Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica Thanked all who supported and helped in organizing the feast and Novenas.
Earlier during the day His Excellency visited the Pilgrimage of Heart, Light and sound Gallery, Old Goa, where he was given warm welcome and a tour of the gallery. The light and sound show depicts the life of Jesus Christ, St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph Vaz.