About

• • St Francis Xavier, also referred to as “Goencho Saib” (Lord of Goa) was a Spanish Jesuit missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus.
  • He arrived at Goa in 1542 under the orders of King John III, to restore Christianity among the Portuguese settlers.

• He died in 1552 on Shangchuan island off the coast of China, where he was first buried. Later the saint’s body was exhumed and transported to Malacca and finally to Goa in 1554. 

• • At present, the Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier.

• The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa, on December 3rd each year to commemorate the death anniversary of the patron saint.

Why in News?

• The decennial exposition(exhibition) of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier has recently begun. 
• During the exposition, the relics are carried in a ceremonial procession from the Basilica to Se Cathedral for the devotees to venerate.