His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, has announced the Solemn Exposition of the Sacred Relics of Saint Francis Xavier. The decennial exposition of the Sacred Relics of the Saint, popularly known as “Gõycho Saib”, will commence on 21 November 2024 and end on 5 January 2025. The Archbishop issued a special decree to announce the spiritual event which draws millions of people from across all over the world. The decree states: “In conformity with a long-standing practice, followed in this Archdiocese of holding Solemn Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier every 10 years, we determine that the Solemn Exposition be held in 2024, beginning on Thursday, 21 November 2024, and ending on Sunday, 5 January 2025”. A special Committee to deal with the matters of the Solemn Exposition has also been appointed by the Archbishop. The Committee comprises lay men and women, religious sisters and priests.
The decennial spiritual event gives the faithful an opportunity to reflect on the “faith journey” of St. Francis Xavier and to emulate his zeal for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St. Francis, a man of knowledge and expertise, fame and rank, is a constant reminder that nothing has the power to affect change as much as love and compassion. His noble life and his abiding presence among us are an aide-mémoire that it is only a personal encounter with Christ that makes us his true disciples.
This time, the Archbishop has announced the exposition two years in advance keeping in mind a two-fold purpose: firstly, to step up the renewal of Christian life at all levels in the Archdiocese, and secondly, to give sufficient time for the pilgrims to plan their journey. The Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier in 2024-2025 will be the culmination of a spiritual journey, a journey of renewal and of hope to be undertaken by every individual, every family, every parish and the entire Church in Goa and Daman. It is not only the event but the journey leading to the event that is important. The universal Church is preparing for a “Synod on Synodality” and also for the Jubilee Year 2025. For the Catholic faithful in Goa and Daman, the upcoming Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier is a God-given opportunity to learn to walk together as pilgrims of hope. The two years of spiritual preparation leading to the Exposition will focus on walking with the poor and the marginalized, walking with peoples of all faiths and cultures and walking in harmony with creation.
