Celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier is one of the most significant religious events in Goa and among Christian communities in India and abroad. Held annually on December 3rd, this feast commemorates the death anniversary of St. Francis Xavier, the revered Spanish missionary who played a vital role in spreading Christianity across Asia during the 16th century. The celebrations take place at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where the saint’s mortal remains are enshrined and venerated by millions of pilgrims every year.
This vibrant spiritual event attracts visitors from around the world, including devotees, tourists, and culture enthusiasts. The nine-day novena preceding the feast is marked by prayers, special masses, and cultural programs. The main feast day features a grand liturgical celebration attended by thousands, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier not only highlights the rich Christian heritage of Goa but also showcases the unity and diversity of Indian culture. Whether you're a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveler exploring Goa’s spiritual side, this celebration offers a unique and memorable experience.
History Significance of the Feast of St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier was born in 1506 in the Kingdom of Navarre, present-day Spain, and became one of the founding members of the Jesuit order. He arrived in Goa in 1542 as a missionary accompanying the Portuguese Viceroy. Known for his unwavering dedication to spreading Christianity, he left a profound impact on Goan society.
After his death on December 2, 1552, his mortal remains were miraculously preserved and placed in a casket, which was interred at the Basilica of Bom Jesus on December 3. The day of his enshrinement is now celebrated as the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, marked by grand processions, hymns, and prayers. It is a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of the Goan Christian community.
For the unversed, Francis Xavier is also known as ‘GoenchoSaib’ which means, The Lord of Goa.
Major Attractions of Feast of St. Francis Xavier Goa
1. Novena. It is a period of 9 days wherein prayers take place in the church in honour of Saint Francis Xavier. After 9 days of prayers, many ceremonies are hosted which is participated by the locals and devotees from across the globe. Many customs are followed by the pilgrims too, who get together on the Feast day. All in all, this is a major occasion for Christians and is worth attending.
2. The Feast. On the day of the feast, Saint Francis is offered flowers, and candles by the devotees. The prayers are followed by a feast wherein people are served food and drinks. Food, clothing, and accessory stalls are also a part of the festival. People often spend their time shopping at these stalls, eating and engaging with fellow devotees and friends.
How to Reach to St. Francis Xavier Goa
Goa is a dream vacation destination for many people in the country courtesy its exotic beaches, picturesque locations, and great ambiance. The state has beaches, churches, cafes, greenery and positive vibes in abundance and it’s really hard to resist all that!
Owing to well developed and well-connected roadways, airways and railways network you can reach Goa through various modes and routes. From Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, Goa is approximately 1,900, 580, 2,100, and 580 km away respectively. Below mentioned are a few best travel options to reach Goa.
By Road. If you are planning a road trip to Goa's Basilica of Bom Jesus Church by road then you have to cover nearly:
- 270km via NH 66 from Ratnagiri
- 216km via NH 48 from Kolhapur
- 150km via SH 34 and NH 748 from Hubli
- 450km via AH 47 and NH 48 from Pune
- 400km NH 48 from Mahabaleshwar
Another comfortable and economical option is to travel via inter-state tourist buses that run between different states and can be booked online as well.
By Rail. To reach the capital city of Goa, which is Panaji, Madgaon is the nearest railway station located at a distance of about 35km from the city. People can easily find a taxi or a bus from the station which will take them to the city of Panaji or Panjim.
Here are the trains you need to take from different Indian cities:
- Delhi - Goa Express
- Mumbai - Mangalore Express, Konkan Kanya Express, or Dadar Ten Express
- Pune - Goa Express
- Ratnagiri - Mandovi Express
- Kolkata - Amravathi Express
By Air. Dabolim Airport or Goa International Airport is the nearest airport to reach Basilica of Bom Jesus. From the airport, one is required to take a taxi or a bus to travel an additional 30km to reach the church.
Almost all the major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, GoAir, and AirAsia run non-stop flights to Goa from all the metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Due to regular and fairly frequent flight connectivity, you may consider traveling by air if time is a constraint and comfort is your priority.
Frequently Asked Questions about Feast of St. Francis Xavier
Q1: Why is the Feast of St. Francis Xavier celebrated?
A1: The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated to commemorate the death anniversary of St. Francis Xavier, a Spanish Jesuit missionary known for spreading Christianity in India and other parts of Asia. It honors his missionary work, miracles, and lasting spiritual legacy.
Q2: What saint's feast day is December 3?
A2: December 3 marks the feast day of St. Francis Xavier, one of the founding members of the Jesuit order and a revered Catholic missionary.
Q3: In which state is the Feast of St. Francis Xavier held in India?
A3: The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in the state of Goa, especially at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where the saint’s relics are preserved.
Q4: Is St. Francis Xavier on December 3?
A4: Yes, the feast day of St. Francis Xavier is observed on December 3 every year, marking his death anniversary.
Q5: How old is St. Xavier?
A5: St. Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506, and died on December 3, 1552. He lived for 46 years.
