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Exposition begins today NT Staff Reporter Panaji Nov 20: The 16th solemn Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa begins tomorrow. The Archbishop Patriarch Reverend Filipe Neri Ferrao will be the main celebrant of the pontifical mass at 9.30 a.m marking the inauguration of the 43-day event. The theme for this Exposition is: As fellow pilgrims, nourished by the Eucharist, sent to build Communion. Over 400 priests are expected to concelebrate this mass; the only one of the opening day to be held in the outdoor pandal opposite the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Dismissing reports which suggested that the Expiation was tourism-oriented, the church in Goa today stressed that the Exposition is strictly a spiritual experience held to deepen the faith of the people. The director of the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM), Fr Olavo Velho Pereira, who is the official church spokesman, told a press conference that the church had taken great pains towards the spiritual animation of the faithful in preparing them for the Exposition. Fr Pereira said a number of committees like the spiritual animation committee, the liturgical committee and others had contributed towards the preparations. Seminars, cassettes, multi-media presentation, a publication titled Ieatrekarank Otmik Jevonn (Spiritual food for the pilgrims) and even a specially-composed prayer was recited in all parishes daily in preparation for the Exposition, Fr Pereira said. The Exposition convenor, Fr George Aguiar, the secretary of the core group of committees, Ms Blanche Mascarenhas and spiritual committee members, Dr Roshan Nazareth were also present for the press conference. In effect, Fr Pereira re-emphasised the message in the Archbishop’s recent pastoral letter, which said: “In the recent past, such Expositions have been occasions to deepen and to invigorate the faith of the people, a challenge that St Francis throws to every generation. It is our privilege to experience, yet again, such a period of grace from November 21, this year, to January 2, 2005.” The Governor of Goa, Mr S C Jamir and the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar have confirmed their attendance for the inaugural function. All legislators have also been invited, Fr Pereira said. He thanked the government for its contribution in organising the infrastructure, traffic, law and order, etc. After the mass, eight priests will carry the casket bearing the relics of St Francis Xavier from inside the Basilica to its main door. From here, representatives of various deaneries of Goa will take turns in carrying the casket in a procession to the Se Cathedral, where it will be kept for the period of the Exposition. Fr Pereira informed that the Papal Nuncio, Rev Pedro Lopez Quintana, will arrive in Goa to celebrate the pontifical High Mass on the feast day on December 3. The Archbishop Emiritus, Rev Raul Gonsalves will celebrate the High Mass on the closing day on January 2, 2005. For the first time, Doordarshan, both local and national, as well as All India Radio will broadcast live tomorrow’ s proceedings at Old Goa.
