Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Goa (Fides Service) - Last minute preparations are underway for the exposition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier from 21 November 2004 to 2 January 2005. Security measures are being intensified at Bom Jesus Basilica in Goa, where the relics will be visible. As many as three million people are expected to make the traditional pilgrimage. About 5,000 at a time will spend the night in the church or camped in the surrounding area.
However after an accidental fire in Bom Jesus church on 21 October and increasing attacks on Christians by Hindu extremists, the local community is taking steps to guarantee a peaceful event. In order to ascertain the identity of pilgrims, the local Church has asked visitors to carry with them identity papers and a letter of presentation from the parish priest or some other church representative.
“We cannot discourage or stop this traditional pilgrimage which is a deeply rooted custom” Father Savio Barreto, rector of Bom Jesus church told Fides. “But by taking some precautions such as requesting a letter from the parish priest we can make sure that the people are really pilgrims and we can also count them and register the flow”.
The Basilica has been equipped with a closed circuit television and the church compound will be guarded by police. Visitors will pass through metal detectors. Voluntary guards will be on duty inside and outside the church to make sure the flow of pilgrims is orderly and to avoid overcrowding.
Outside the church pilgrims will find a variety of services in six buildings and tents. Goa Tourism Office has organised accommodation in the old city where the Basilica stands.
The local Church in Goa, led by Archbishop Filippo Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman recently appointed, has planned an intense programme of liturgical and cultural events. In the meantime the Church all over India is preparing to guarantee media coverage of the event thanks to workers at the Bishops Media Office in New Delhi.
It was in the western coastal town of Goa that Francis (1506-1552) landed in 1542 to begin his mission in the Far East. The relics of the Saint were exposed for the first time in 1782 and then every year on his feast day December 3 until 1864 when it was decided to limit the exposition to once every ten years. The event has become a major celebration for the local Church awaited anxiously by Catholics near and far. The last time the relics were exposed for veneration, the 15th time in the ten yearly series was from 21 November 1994 to 7 January 1995.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/11/2004 righe 33 parole 336)
