Thousands of pilgrims attend the Novenas and Feast of St. Francis Xavier at Old Goa, where his relics are preserved. While the Feast of St. Francis Xavier would be held on December 4, Novenas will begin from November 25 onwards. Goa Church is considering a ban on the usage of plastic or non-biodegradable material during this year’s feast of the saint, in order to set an example of going eco-friendly during celebrations.
As reported by ucanindia.in, Fr. Patricio Fernandes, rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus where the relics of St. Francis Xavier are preserved, remarked that “To begin with, we will avoid using flex and decorations made of thermocol to deck up the stage set up for the mass, this is a hard decision and we have already been talking about it.” Further, he added, “The Church authorities are still contemplating ways to minimize or negate the use of environmentally hazardous material during the Feast and as people are used to plastic or thermocol, it will be a difficult task, usage of these non-environment friendly materials began a decade ago to deck up the stage of the mass.”
About 15,000- 20,000 people are expected to participate in the main mass which will begin at 10:30 am on November 25. People from across the country will participate in the Feast celebrated in honor of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa.
