Exposition ends but journey of faith should go on: Cardinal

Panaji: The 18th Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier drew to a close on Sunday, with thousands of devotees participating in the Mass that marked the conclusion of the 45-day spiritual gathering. Estimates suggest that around 70 lakh devotees, pilgrims, tourists, and officials visited the Old Goa heritage complex since the Exposition began on Nov 21.
The relics of the Spanish saint were carried in a solemn procession from the Se Cathedral to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in the morning. Thousands queued up along the route, braving the heat, to catch one final glimpse of the saint—reverentially known as Goencho Saib—before the relics were taken inside the basilica to be placed atop the mausoleum. While some stretched out their hands towards the ornate casket, others pulled out their smartphones to record the poignant moment and hopefully catch a closer glimpse.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, who was the main celebrant at the ceremonial service, urged everyone to continue the journey of faith that began with the Exposition. “Our journey of faith does not end here. We must continue this journey and keep this spirit alive in our life, in our families, in our communities, in our organisations, and in the diocese. Our journey of faith, hope, and love continues,” he said.
Present for the Mass were auxiliary bishop of Goa and Daman, Simao Fernandes, bishop of Shimla and Chandigarh Ignatius Loyola Mascarenhas, bishop of Agartala Lumen Monterio, and bishop emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias.
Ferrao exhorted priests and the Catholic faithful to abide by the duty and responsibility to “build harmony and unity” within families and within society.
“As Jesus’ followers, it is our duty to become builders of unity in our homes and families, at our workplace, and in our society. We are called to put out the flames of anger, to break down hate, and to spread understanding. This is the responsibility of those who are Jesus’ followers,” said Ferrao.
Thousands of pilgrims flocked to Old Goa every day, from all over the country and even from various parts of the world, to pray and get a glimpse of the relics of the Jesuit saint. Pilgrims walked for miles, across borders and hills, while some showed up in wheelchairs with the hope of seeing the relics. Many spent nights at the Se Cathedral, praying reverently.
“This beautiful journey of the Exposition comes to an end, but our human journey of faith does not end here. We begin the jubilee journey now,” said Fr Henry Falcao, the convener of the Exposition. Ferrao said that like the Jesuit saint, Christians are called to be “pilgrims of hope” in a world filled with hate and destruction. He also exhorted Goans to pray and participate with the same devotion in the preparations for the feast of St Joseph Vaz, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. The feast of St Joseph Vaz is celebrated on Jan 16.
Commissioner of the Exposition secretariat Sandip Jacques said that the hard work of the entire organisational team has paid dividends.