from Daijiworld's special correspondent
Panaji, Mar 21: Goa will celebrate the 500th birth anniversary of its patron saint, St Francis Xavier, with a special mass being planned on April 7 in the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa.
"Around 10,000 people from across the globe are expected to participate in the special mass which will be attended by Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filip Nery Ferrao," Fr Savio Barretto, Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, said.
The theme for the celebration would be `Ablaze with God's love', he said, adding, "the celebrations also coincides with the 450th death anniversary of St Ignatius of Loyola and the 500th birth anniversary of Bl Peter Faber.
St Francis Xavier's Holy Relics are preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa which is opened for exposition every 10 years.