It is only befitting that I, a pure bred Goan , write a reflection on the patron saint of my state, Goa. The state which has the honor to house the relics of St Francis Xavier in a silver casket at the Basilica de Bom Jesus. The 3 rd of December is what we goans call in our tongue “Goaencho saibacho fest” Irrespective of religion, caste or financial status, everyone celebrates it in Goa with fervor and devotion to the patron saint. While the Chief Minister and the cabinet ministers ( the government officials) always attend the High Mass on 3rd December, I have an annual memory of tagging along with Mom and Dad and recently my best friend and coworker, another obgyn for a novena at the Shrine and then hogging the yummiest “choris-pao” (sausage bread) at the stalls around.
The atmosphere at the Basilica is so serene and perfect, with people from all across the world lining up the lanes to have a glimpse of the patron saint, some even camp overnight. It is a state holiday and so auspicious that almost every sixth Goan (approximate statistics) has Francis or Xavier as their first or middle names, especially those born on this day. Every decade there is an exposition of the relics to the public and I remember my 2 visits to see his body, it was and will always be fascinating!!!!
St Francis Xavier was born in a wealthy Spanish family and after much wooing by St Ignatius of Loyola had a conversion and joined the missions and formed the first 7 members of the Society of Jesus or Jesuits ( who take care of the Basilica) . He is the very reason I am a catholic as my Indian ancestors converted to christianity and lo and behold! His relics are miraculous and the faith of every Goan resides in the fact that he is housed in our state. We even have a beautiful hymn for St Francis Xavier ( SFX) in my mother tongue which every catholic Goan across the globe will know by heart!!
While a lot of speculation about his role in forcible conversions and the inquisition by the Portuguese in my home land have been made, I personally believe my state is also at present unified across religions by this Saint and the faith in his intercession.
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
Today as my tiny state battles the local and national government for against corruption and ecological destruction for coal mining and industries, this Saint holds all us Goans together across the globe. I wish my fellow Goenkars who read this reflection a happy feast and the rest of us a reminder of building up the foundation of our faith this advent to face all the obstacles we will encounter in the year to come and be missionaries like him whether at home or away, let us make our faith rock solid!!
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for your faith and guidance Lord to your servant Saint Francis Xavier. Guide me to imitate his life of missionary work and focus on You, Lord being the center of my life this advent. Help me prepare my sinful heart for your birth and welcome you as a changed person – better, calmer and more loving.
San Fransik , Amche pasot mag! AMEN
