Feast of St. Francis Xavier

The Feast of honorable St. Francis Xavier memorializes the death of St. Francis Xavier, supporter saint of Goa. Lovingly called the Goincho Saib or the Lord of Goa, St. Xavier belonged to Spanish Jesuit missionary and propagated Christianity in various parts of Asia. After attaining great success in the state of Goa, St Xavier started his journey towards China but passed off at Sancian Island on 2 December, 1552, which is about 10-km away from the mainland of China. According to the legendry story, when the body of St. Xavier was shifted to Goa the following year, the body was found as fresh as the day it was buried. When news of this wonder reached to the city of the Vatican, the title of 'Saint' was given to the Xavier. His mausoleum was set up in the Basilica of Bom Jesus church and the soul remains were kept inside in the silver coffin. Every year on 3rd December, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier is organized at Bom Jesus church situated in Old Goa. Being a most prestigious festival of Goa, the feast of St. Xavier attracts massive number of pilgrims from different parts of the world who come down here to take part in the morning masses. On this occasion locality echoes with the festive atmosphere and local sellers set up stalls to sell a large variety of items.