By Lissy Kurian
Old Goa, December 4, 2022: Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli has exhorted Christians to give Christ the central place in their lives and obey His command to go forth and make disciples of all nations.
The nuncio was celebrating Mass at Bom Jesu Basilica on December 3, on the occasion of the feast of St Francis Xavier. He was assisted by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, archbishop of Goa-Daman and more than 50 priests.
The theme of the weeklong celebration was in keeping with the Synod “Following Jesus like St. Francis Xavier let us foster communion, participation and Mission.”
Archbishop Girelli pointed out that although St Francis Xavier was not a Goan by birth he became one by heart, and proclaimed the kingdom of God in Goa.
“St Francis is known as one of the greatest preachers of apostolic zeal, since the time of the apostles and had the great vision to bring the Word of God to all people. The saintly priest walked the streets of this great city giving solace to many persons and imparting to them the values of the Kingdom of God. He spent most of his time ministering to the sick,” he added.
The nuncio urged the people to keep up the impetus to preach the Gospel to those who are far from the Christ. “This is the first task of the Church. All renewal in the Church must have proclamation as its goal,” he asserted.
Recalling the words Pope Francis, Archbishop Girelli said, “Jesus send his disciples to the villages not to socialize and spend time together, but to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and it is still urgent today not only at the time of St Francis.
“Let us allow Christ to enter our lives and invite us to go out and proclaim the Kingdom of God to the margins of the society. There is no time to waste time in gossip and no need to wait for everyone’s consensus. What is necessary is to go out and proclaim the Good News.”
Archbishop Girelli stressed the need to use “all our God-given talents to proclaim the kingdom of God. And if we are faithful He will equip us for his mission, no matter how tough our challenges may be.”
The nuncio expressed his joy that people irrespective of caste, creed and religion fondly call St Francis Xavier “Goencho Sahib” (Protector of Goa).
Earlier welcoming the Archbishop Girelli, Cardinal Ferrao said, “You will have here firsthand experience of the vibrant faith of our people who never failed to flock in large numbers year after year. Your Excellency, we see in you our beloved Holy Father and through you we wish to convey to him our filial loyalty and assurance of our fervent prayers.”
Several group of pilgrims who arrived on foot from Belgaum, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur were among the thousands who participated in the Mass.
Bom Jesu Church was consecrated in 1605 and raised to the status of minor basilica in 1946. It is said to be most iconic of all churches in Old Goa as it houses the relics of St Francis Xavier.
The decennial exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier is slated to be held there in 2024.