Media Release

Old Goa, Dec 3: “St Francis Xavier is an inspiration and model to be a messenger of the Good News,” said Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, during his homily on the theme "We are messengers of the Good News."

Cardinal Tagle presided over the Eucharistic celebration held in honour of the feast of St Francis Xavier. Joining him were Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Daman, and several bishops, priests, and religious leaders from India and abroad.

Highlighting the life of St Francis Xavier, Cardinal Tagle noted the saint’s journey from skepticism about St Ignatius of Loyola’s vision to becoming one of the co-founders of the Society of Jesus. He described the saint’s missionary zeal, which led him to provide pastoral care to Catholics in Goa, Malacca, and the Maluku Islands, and his efforts to spread the Gospel in Japan and China, where he passed away on Shangchuan Island.

“In all his missionary travels, St Francis carried only essential books for prayer and catechism. His love for Jesus was his driving force,” said Cardinal Tagle, emphasizing the saint’s embodiment of the message of the Gospel.

The cardinal urged the faithful to reflect on their role as messengers of God’s word, highlighting the need for humility, simplicity, and authenticity. “Authentic messengers of God do not promote themselves or create their own message. They remain meek, even in the face of rejection and persecution,” he stated.

The Cardinal contrasted true messengers with false ones, warning against those driven by ambition, greed, and injustice. He underlined the transformative power of the Good News, which he said brings peace, love, and unity, breaking down barriers and fostering fraternity.

The Eucharistic celebration saw the active participation of thousands of pilgrims from various regions, including Pune, Kolhapur, and Belgaum. Many arrived on foot, underscoring their deep devotion. Special mention was made of the long queues for the veneration of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier.

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão welcomed the faithful, while Fr Ramiro Luis presented a Konkani translation of the homily. Fr Henry Falcão, convenor of the Exposition Committee, expressed gratitude to all involved in organizing the feast and the exposition.

Prominent attendees included Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes, leader of the opposition Yuri Alemao, and other dignitaries, along with diplomats and state and central government officials.

Masses were celebrated in multiple languages, including Konkani, English, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, French, and Portuguese. Novena preparations from November 24 included special intentions for priests, religious, and various archdiocesan bodies. An inter-religious prayer meet was also organized, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the celebrations.

The feast of St Francis Xavier continues to draw the faithful, celebrating the life and legacy of a saint who remains a beacon of hope and a messenger of the good news.