A wave of devotion swept through Canacona on Wednesday as thousands of faithful from various villages and wards gathered at the historic St Francis Xavier's Church in Bhatpal. The occasion was the annual feast Mass dedicated to 'Goencho Saib', a beloved figure for the local Catholic community, with this year's celebrations drawing massive crowds for prayer and veneration.
Homily Calls for Emulation of Saint's Life and Mission
During the solemn feast Mass, the homily was delivered by Fr Victor Sequeira, the canon of the archdiocese and parish priest of Olaulim. He addressed the gathered devotees, urging them to draw inspiration from the life of St Francis Xavier. Fr Sequeira highlighted the saint's remarkable journey to distant corners of the world to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.
In a message particularly aimed at the younger generation, the priest encouraged youth to pursue high levels of education, akin to St Xavier, and to carry forward his missionary zeal. "St Xavier decided to forsake worldly riches. He instead embraced Jesus and applied His teachings to become a holy and committed person. May the life and mission of the saint inspire us in our undertakings," Fr Sequeira told the congregation. The core theme of the feast was anchored in hope: 'Since hope does not deceive us, let us emulate St Francis Xavier and become pilgrims of hope'.
Grand Celebrations and Community Participation
The liturgical celebration was a grand concelebrated event, with priests from across the Canacona deanery, which encompasses several local parishes, leading the service together. To accommodate the thousands of devotees who flock to the site annually, a specially erected pandal served as the venue for the feast Masses.
Following the Mass, a key highlight of the day unfolded: a reverent procession carrying the sacred relic of St Francis Xavier. The procession witnessed heartfelt veneration not only from Catholics but also from people of different faiths along its route. Subsequently, the relic was placed for public veneration inside the church from 3 PM to 8 PM, allowing more devotees personal time for prayer.
Festivities Continue with Cultural Programs
The spiritual observances seamlessly blended into cultural festivities as the feast day celebrations continued into the evening. The local community staged a traditional tiatr (Konkani musical drama) in the village, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the event.
Looking ahead, parish priest Fr Freddy Lobo announced plans for a musical show to be presented in the church square. This event is designed to raise essential funds for the school adjoining the church, turning celebration into community support. The feast of St Francis Xavier at Bhatpal once again proved to be a powerful testament to enduring faith and communal harmony in Canacona.
