PANAJI: Stating that St Francis Xavier is more than a saint for Goans, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão on Thursday said the saint is a symbol of their shared heritage.
Cardinal Ferrão was delivering a message after releasing The Goan Exposition 2024 Special Edition book ‘Francis Xavier: DNA of a Saint’ in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes and Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, secretary to the Cardinal, at the Archbishop’s House in Altinho-Panaji and The Goan Editor Joel Afonso on Thursday evening.
“For us Goans, Saint Francis Xavier is more than a Saint. He is a symbol of our shared heritage, a spiritual anchor and our guide in life’s journey. That is the reason why this Solemn Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier is a sacred time of grace, inviting all of us to renew our faith, to strengthen our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to witness to our faith and to the values of the Gospel through a life of vibrant love and caring service,” said Cardinal Ferrão.
“I wish all Goans a truly grace-filled Novena and Feast of St Francis Xavier, our ‘Goencho Saib’.”
Expressing his happiness to release The Goan Exposition 2024 Special Edition book ‘Francis Xavier: DNA of a Saint’, the cardinal also extended his hearty congratulations to the editorial team responsible for bringing out the book.
The Goan Exposition 2024 Special Edition book is a compilation of messages, reflections from the Pope, 2 Cardinals, 1 Archbishop and 1 Auxiliary Bishop, 25 Articles on the influence of St Francis Xavier, 21 fascinating details pertaining to St Francis Xavier and 86 photos, 57 images, including 28 photos/images from 8 Expositions. Limited stocks of the hard-bound edition will be available at a special introductory price of Rs 200.