Context:
Recently, the decennial exposition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier began which will run until 5th January 2025.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Overview of Saint Francis Xavier:
- Saint Francis Xavier, renowned as Goencho Saib (Lord of Goa), is a pivotal figure in the Christian history of Goa. He arrived in Goa in 1542 and played a significant role in revitalizing Christianity among the Portuguese settlers.
- As one of the founders of the Jesuit order, his missionary zeal took him across Asia, where he eventually died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island, off the coast of China.
- Initially buried on the island, his remains were subsequently relocated to Malacca and ultimately brought to Goa in 1554. They were first housed at St. Paul’s College, the earliest Jesuit building in Goa, before being moved to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa in 1624.
- Remarkably, the relics of Saint Francis Xavier have exhibited minimal decay, despite multiple exhumations over the centuries.
- The Feast of St. Francis Xavier, celebrated annually on 3rd December at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, marks the anniversary of his death. This event is Goa’s largest Christian festival, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors.
-Source: Indian Express
