• Source:JND
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Goa News: The 45-day exhibition of Saint Francis Xavier's relics began on Thursday at Se Cathedral, drawing thousands of devotees from all over India to Old Goa. The exposition started with a procession from Bom Jesus Basilica, where the mortal remains of the Spanish Jesuit missionary have been kept since 1624, and the pilgrims lined up in Old Goa to pay their respects.

Along with the clergy and a few chosen representatives from all facets of society, the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier were transported to the St Cathedral on the shoulders of priests from the Society of Jesus in a specially made e-vehicle.

The visuals depicted over 1,000 people creating a human chain as the relics were transported across the church complex to Se Cathedral.

According to community members, the four-century-old silver glass casket housing the relics was lowered from its resting place in the Basilica's tomb at a private ceremony on Wednesday.

Up to 8 million pilgrims are anticipated to visit the state of Goa over the 45-day event, exceeding the 5.5 million who visited Goa during the 2014 exposition.

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According to Anil Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, St Francis Xavier was committed to a mission that was completely motivated by the desire to disseminate the good news of salvation in Christ over the world. He intended to assure that no one was lost, but that everyone may be saved and live fully in God's kingdom.

After the Mass, which ended at about 11:40 AM, the relics were transferred to Se Cathedral, where a brief prayer session was held. Only a select group of representatives were allowed into the cathedral.

Outside, hundreds of pilgrims lined up to see the saint's relics, some arriving at least an hour before the exposition gates opened. Pilgrims were finally permitted inside at 3:00 PM.