The 17th Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier concluded on January 4, 2015. More than 50 lakhs pilgrims venerated the relics of the Saint during the 43-day SFX Exposition at Old Goa. Months of planning and chalking out of the solemn event ended on a successful note yesterday as the relics were carried back from the St Cathedral to the Basilica of Bom Jesus- the resting place of the Saint.

Since the commencement of the SFX Exposition on November 22, 2014, more than a lakh pilgrims venerated the relics daily, and during the last three- four days, timings for veneration were extended by a few hours to meet the rush and long queues.

Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio led the concluding Mass assisted by Archbishops Philip Neri Ferrao of Goa, and Stanislaus Fernandes of Gandhinagar and Bishops Lumen Monteiro of Agartala, Anthony Alwyn Fernandes Barreto of Sindhudurg and Oswald Lewis of Jaipur.

Archbishop Ferrao, in his introductory talks at the concluding mass, said “The six-week exposition provided an occasion to experience God’s grace to draw inspiration from St Francis Xavier and strengthen faith in God. St Francis is God’s gift to us, and we invoke his blessings for our ongoing journey of faith.”

Fr Alfred Vaz, convener of the Exposition Committee, shared his joy at the successful completion of the events. He said more than 600 volunteers, mostly student and young people, who went around with enthusiasm, care and joy were the visible face of the organisers. “They made a lot of sacrifice to be at the service of the pilgrims, which contributed toward the success of the exposition,” he said.

During the SFX Exposition, masses were held in various Indian and foreign languages. Goa Tourism also played a key role at the SFX Exposition by assisting visitors at the Old Goa Complex, disseminating information and providing tourism related services. Hop On Hop Off vehicles were introduced to give pilgrims and tourists an insight into Old Goa’s heritage Sites.

Dilip Parulekar, tourism minister said, “The Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier has brought visitors from all across the globe. We are happy that the spiritual event has been conducted successfully. This will give us a big boost in promoting Goa for pilgrimage tourism and draw tourists from far and wide to the State of Goa.”