The end of each year, thousands of people throng to Old Goa to celebrate the feast of St Francis Xavier. Affectionately known as '˜Goencho Saib', this saint has played an eminent role in their lives of many Goans. The shrine of Bom Jesus at Old Goa witnesses more than two million people visits every year. St. Francis Xavier is considered as the greatest missionary and patron saint of India.
He was born on 7th April, in the ancient '˜Xavier Castle', in the region of Navare, Spain. Brought up in an aristocratic family enjoying the lifestyle of status and comfort suited to nobility. He showed great aptitude for studies and hence he was allowed to go to Paris to pursue his dreams. He was highly ambitious to become a professor, academician at the renowned University of Paris. 'What does it profit a man to gain a whole world but lose his own soul' were the words of St. Ignatius that changed the life of St. Francis Xavier and brought about a conversion in his life.
Wherever he went, he lived with the poorest people, sharing their food and rough accommodations. He spent countless hours ministering to the sick and the poor, particularly to lepers. Very often he had no time to sleep. However, he felt much contented doing all these things.
On the 6th day of every month, a mass is offered in devotion to St. Francis Xavier at the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa. What is interesting about the place is that besides the chapel lies a well which St. Francis Xavier used to bathe in. Saint Francis Xavier belonged to the Jesuit Congregation and served the people to the very end.
He continues to influence the people of Goa and the surrounding areas to this day.