Daijworld News Network - Goa

Exclusive report and pics by Rajtilak Naik from Old Goa

Old Goa, Apr 8 (12-20 am): April 7, 2006 marked the 500th birth anniversary of St Francis Xavier.

A special Mass was held outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa to mark this special event. Thousands of devotees from all walks of life attended this special Mass which began at 5-30 pm.

St Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506 at Javier in the Spanish Kingdom of Navarre. He was attracted towards sports and other outdoor activities during his childhood days. After making his way into the University of Paris, he had set his future on degrees and a comfortable academic life.

People are seen attending the special Mass outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa

Thousands of devotees assembled during the Mass

Archbishop of Goa, Daman and Diu Filipe Neri Ferrao

The Bom Jesus Basilica

Nuns attending the special Mass

Archbishop during Mass proceedings

Priests in the congregation

Moments from the Mass

Relics of St Francis Xavier kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus

He set sail in 1541 to preach Christ's message to the men and women of the East. He was one of the first Missionaries to preach faith in Japan. However, he was constantly on the move, travelling across Goa, Cochin, Malabar Coast and Tamil Nadu.

The relics of St Francis Xavier now rest in the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church in Old Goa.

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