During this year’s eagerly awaited Decennial Exposition of Saint Francis Xavier’s relics, the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will unveil an art exhibition titled ‘Footprints of Hope’ at the historic Convent of St. John of God, Old Goa. This exhibition, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Goa, unites 62 artists from diverse backgrounds. Each artist presents artwork reflecting the timeless legacy of Saint Francis Xavier. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman., in the presence of The Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Rev. Simiao Purificacao Fer-nandes, Fr. Henry Falcão, the Convenor of the Exposition Committee, the Curators, and the Contributing Artists will all be in attendance at the inaugural event., thus embarking on an artistic exploration of Goa’s rich spiritual legacy. This curated exhibition beautifully blends traditional heritage with modern relevance, guiding viewers on a contemplative journey through a variety of captivating paintings.

Renowned artists, including Alvito D’Costa, Alexyz, Angela Ferrao, Bianca Menezes, Bismarck Dias, Clarice Vaz, Chandan Crasta, Cornelia Sequeira, and Dr.Razia Pires, Evita Pereira e Silva,Femanda de Melo, Francis De Sousa, Fr. Ankith D’Souza, Fr. Lodovico Godinho, Govind Silimkhan, Ignatius Menezes, Justino Lobo, Julio D’Souza, Late Joao Fernandes, Julian Mascarenhas, Julias Rocha, Kalidas Satardekar, Leticia Alvares, Liest Cotta De Souza, Lilia Rodrigues e Louis, Livien Mendes, Loretti Pinto, Malcolm Rebello, Manju-naath Naik, Manuela Alvares, Manuela Gomes, Marcio Fernandes, Mark D’Souza, Melanie Da Costa Pereira, Michael Rodrigues, Mohan Naik, Mo-hit Naik, Nadia De Souza, Natasha An-drade, Nirupa Naik, Osborn Carvalho, Presley D’Costa, Querozito De Souza, Raj Fernandes, Rohan Pai Dhungat, Roopa Fernandes, Rudi D’Silva, Ryan Abreu, Sagar Naik Mule, Salvador Fernandes, Sanjay Harmalkar, Sandesh Naik, Shailesh Dabholkar, Sonia Rodrigues Sabharwal, Swapnesh Vaigankar, Tamara Borges, Theresa Carvalho, Vasudev Shetye, Verodina Ferrao De Sousa, Viraj Naik, Walter De Souza, and Yolanda Kammermeier.

A sacred gathering amidst the Exposition.
With the Exposition of Saint Francis Xavier’s relics attracting millions to Old Goa during the period from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Footprints of Hope emerges as a distinctive cultural enhancement.

The art exhibition is anticipated to draw pilgrims, tourists, and art enthusiasts alike, offering a contemplative oasis amidst the lively Exposition. This year’s exhibition venue is the recently restored Convent of St. John of God gracefully blends sevent-century architecture with modern works that appeal to present-day visitors.

For many pilgrims and visitors, the exhibition provides more than just visual art; it acts as a collective cultural memory that preserves Goa’s heritage.