Story, history of exposition of sacred relics of St Francis Xavier in Goa

News: The decennial exposition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier will begin on Thursday and will continue till January 5 next year.

1. St Francis Xavier was a Spanish Jesuit missionary who arrived in Goa in1542 to restore Christianity among the Portuguese settlers.

2. His instrumental role of spreading Christianity across Asia earned him the title of ‘Apostle of the Indies’.

3. He died in 1552 on the island of Shangchuan off the coast of China, where he was first buried.

4. In 1553, his body was exhumed and transported to Malacca. In 1554, the saint’s body was shipped to Goa. Presently, Basilica of Bom Jesus hold the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier.

5. The exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier is a tradition in Goa for many years. During the exposition, the silver glass casket holding the relics of the saint is lowered from its resting place in a private ceremony.

6. Then, the relics are carried in a ceremonial procession from the Basilica to Se Cathedral for the devotees to venerate.

7. The devotees see the body of the saint as a miracle since it has shown minimal signs of decay or corruption despite being buried several times.