Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated every year in December. This day commemorates the dedication and service that Saint Francis Xavier committed himself to through his outreach of faith and missionary work in India, Asia and Europe.The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated on December 3rd and honors St. Francis Xavier, a co-founder of the Jesuit Order and a missionary known for his work in Asia. St. Francis Xavier was one of the first Jesuits to travel to India, Japan, and other parts of Asia to spread Christianity.
The feast is marked with various traditions and celebrations, which can vary depending on the region. In some places, it might involve special church services, processions, and community gatherings. For instance, in Goa, India, where St. Francis Xavier is particularly venerated, the feast is a significant event with grand processions and religious ceremonies.
The body of St Francis Xavier lies in a silver casket in the Church of Bom Jesus in Goa and every year on December 3rd,the day he was buried, ceremonies are performed to honor his death. Born in Spain on April 7, 1506, St.Xavier came to India with the Portuguese Viceroy of Goa in 1543, and immediately undertook the task of influencing the Goan people. He was a great Catholic missionary, who preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Asia.Legends about this great Saint says that he had a healing power and his body has not decomposed even after 5 centuries of his death. Every ten years until 1994, on the anniversary of his death, St Xavier s dead body was brought out and kept in a glass case, with the feet exposed, for all to see and worship. For the exposition, people from all over India flocked to the church for a glimpse of the saint.
The last exposition was held in 1994. Since the condition of the body had deteriorated visibly, now the body is not displayed. People still visit the Church of Bom Jesus in Goa every year to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier and the pilgrimage turns into a picnic for quite a few families, as they shop in the little lanes decorated with streamers. The ambiance of the church site is happy and festive.
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated with various customs and traditions depending on the region.
Here are some common ways the feast is observed:
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Religious Services: Special Masses and services are held in honor of St. Francis Xavier. These may include processions, prayers, and hymns dedicated to the saint.
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Processions: In places like Goa, India, where St. Francis Xavier's relics are enshrined, there are often elaborate processions. Devotees might carry statues or relics of the saint through the streets, accompanied by singing and chanting.
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Festivals: Some regions have local festivals or fairs in conjunction with the feast day. These may feature cultural performances, food stalls, and community gatherings.
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Pilgrimages: Devotees might visit churches or shrines dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, especially those where his relics are kept.
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Community Events: In some communities, there are social events, such as dinners or gatherings, that bring people together to celebrate the feast.
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Educational and Charitable Activities: Some celebrations include lectures, workshops, or charitable events that reflect St. Francis Xavier's missionary work and commitment to education and social justice.
(Source: Goa Tourism Government Website)
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