Goa to Seek Pope Francis Presence at St. Francis Xavier Relics Exposition

The Goa government will request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite Pope Francis for the decennial exposition of St. Francis Xaviers relics, to be held from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Preparations are underway, including setting up an Information Centre and providing facilities for the expected influx of devotees.

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The Goa government has decided to request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend an invitation to Pope Francis for the decennial exposition of the relics of St. Francis Xavier, scheduled to be held later this year. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a coordination committee meeting on Friday to oversee the preparations for the significant religious event.

Multitudes Expected

The decennial exposition, held at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, draws hundreds of thousands of devotees from around the world. The last exposition took place in 2014-15, and the upcoming one is scheduled from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

PM's Invitation

Chief Minister Sawant informed reporters that the state government will write to Prime Minister Modi, requesting him to personally invite Pope Francis to grace the occasion. He mentioned that during their previous meeting, PM Modi had extended an invitation to the Pope to visit India.

Preparations in Full Swing

The coordination committee meeting, attended by priests from the Basilica and officials from the Archeological Survey of India, emphasized the need to expedite preparations for the grand event. An Information Centre for visitors will be inaugurated in Old Goa on April 15, and adequate facilities, including accommodation, will be arranged for the expected influx of devotees.

Financial Allocation

The Goa government has allocated a budget of Rs 10 crore specifically for the exposition, with additional funds to be diverted from other departments as required. Chief Minister Sawant assured that necessary resources will be provided to ensure a successful and memorable event.

The decennial exposition of the relics of St. Francis Xavier holds immense religious and cultural significance, and the Goa government is committed to making it a grand and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees. With preparations well underway and an invitation to Pope Francis in the works, the upcoming exposition promises to be a momentous occasion for devotees in India and beyond.