What happens during the exposition of sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier in Goa

Sub : History

Sec : Medieval History

Context:

The 18th Decennial Exposition of the sacred relics of Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, begins on November 21, 2024, and will continue till January 5, 2025. The event attracts pilgrims and tourists, primarily from the Catholic community.

What Happens During the Exposition?

Relocation of Relics: The relics, housed in a silver glass casket at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, will be lowered from the mausoleum in a private ceremony. The relics are then carried in a ceremonial procession to the Se Cathedral, 300 meters away, where they will remain on display for 45 days.
Religious Ceremonies: The event features masses, prayer services, novenas, and processions.

Historical Background:

The relics were first exposed in 1554 on the saint’s death anniversary. After the saint’s canonization in 1622, the tradition gained prominence.
In 1782, rumours that the body had been replaced led to a public exposition.
The exposition tradition became regular after Goa’s liberation in 1961 and has been held every decade since 1964.

About St. Francis Xavier:

Francis Xavier, referred to as “Goencho Saib” (Lord of Goa), arrived in Goa in 1542 to restore Christianity among Portuguese settlers.
He was one of the founding members of The Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
He died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island near China. His body was exhumed and moved to Malacca before being transported to Goa in 1554, where it was eventually housed in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in 1624.
The body is considered “incorruptible”, showing minimal signs of decay despite multiple exhumations.