Experience Jesus and become instrument of Unity, Peace and Forgiveness-Indian Bishop

"We need to experience Jesus through prayer and become instruments of unity, peace, love, and forgiveness," said Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas, Bishop of Baroda Diocese, while delivering a homily for the feast mass of St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa on December 4, 2023.

The celebration occurred in a magnificent Pandal near the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Basilica in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Bishop Mascarenhas said St. Francis Xavier sacrificed everything to help the poor and ill and educated the Old Goans.

He encouraged everyone to embrace Goa's legacy by fostering peace and togetherness, aiding the needy and underprivileged, and forgiving families and communities, citing St. Francis Xavier's exceptional life as an example of Jesus' compassion, service, and forgiveness.

He also stressed Jesus' universal message of seeing beyond culture, language, and background to connect all people. The bishop emphasized Jesus' selflessness, highlighting examples of forgiveness even amid persecution, and asked the crowd to experience his presence within themselves.

“It’s possible to witness Jesus only when we experience him as he dwells in us,” added the prelate. Based on the lives of Prophet Jeremiah, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Apostles, the bishop emphasized the transformational potential of experiencing God, emphasizing that true change and purposeful fulfillment result from this relationship. He stressed the need for the Holy Spirit, saying our theology is based on God dwelling within us.

He said Jesus' touch empowers people. He bemoaned the distance between people and Jesus, saying that when they follow his teachings and spirit, they become irresistible forces for good. The bishop stressed that Jesus inspires everyone, regardless of social class.

Jesus gives hope, as St. Francis Xavier did, the bishop concluded. He stressed that following Jesus' teachings and connecting to his spirit may alter everyone, regardless of background or circumstances.

Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas officiated at Mass with the help of Archbishops Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferro, Alwyn Barretto, Alex Dias Sfx, and Theodore Mascarenhas Sfx, as well as 42 priests and a deacon.

Fr. Kelwin Monteiro SJ., Fr. Leonardo Pegado Souza, Fr. Cristo Menezes, Fr. Simon B. Fernandes, Fr. Milton Rodrigues Sfx, Fr. Frank Pinto SAC, Fr. Peter Martin Fernandes, Fr. Mervin D'Souza S.J., Fr. Randal Barretto Sfx, Fr. Eremito Rebelo, and Fr. Roland Coelho S.J. presided over twelve other masses on the feast day.

Pilgrims from Kolhapur, Belgaum, and Sindhudurg walked to the Novena and St. Francis Xavier's feast. Many Goa enthusiasts traveled to Old Goa for the feast ceremonies.

Remeth Dias from Kolhapur said, "Since my XI std, I've been part of this padayatra, and this marks my 32nd year walking to Old Goa."  "We had three groups from Kolhapur journeying for the feast, commencing on November 29th and culminating on December 3rd."

"This walking pilgrimage allows us to set aside our daily routines and immerse ourselves in the spiritual journey of Jesus to Calvary. Across our three groups, we traversed 145 kilometers, dedicating ourselves to reciting rosaries, singing hymns, and glorifying God. Remeth said it was a real divine encounter. "I feel blessed by God, and I attribute it to the intercession of St. Francis Xavier."

After leading the feast mass liturgical singing, Santacruz's Rhea Dias said, "Fr. Romeo Monteiro, my mentor, gave me confidence when I was anxious about leading the choir for the first time. I appreciate his guidance, which made this experience rewarding." 

Rhea said, "It was a collective effort where each member contributed wholeheartedly." She used the opportunity to praise God and thank St. Francis Xavier for supernatural blessings.- Br. John Malvino Alfonso