Once every 10 years, the relics of St Francis Xavier are lowered to eye level. Starting today, millions of faithful will line up to venerate Goencho Saib


Away from the hustle and bustle of Old Goa, almost hidden in foliage, and just above the ruins of the iconic college of St Paul, stands a little chapel. Legend has it that Francis was deep in prayer when he felt an overwhelming power of devotional fervour. So much that he almost suffocated. Opening his robe at his chest, he shouted ‘Domine sat est?’ (Lord, enough?). The chapel stands on the very spot the incident occurred, to commemorate the experience. Former Rector of Bom Jesus, Fr Savio Baretto, religiously spoke about the incident at the end of mass held at this chapel on the sixth day of every month

According to Jesuit records, Francis had planted a jackfruit tree at the spot where his namesake chapel now stands in Old Goa. It was believed that this tree’s bark had healing properties, and was thus greatly prized by Goan Catholics. Anything made from the bark of this tree received great respect. In the church of St Rita in Maina, Salcete, locals still revere a cross made from this tree’s bark. While the tree itself has long disappeared, you will still find a young jackfruit tree close to the spot. Villagers from the area say that the tree was planted by someone in remembrance of the one planted by the saint

An uncommon class of local crab, with a cross mark on its shell, is believed to have descended from a crab that Francis blessed hundreds of years ago. Some Jesuit records say that in Feb 1546, while voyaging in what today is eastern Indonesia, Francis was caught in a storm. In an attempt to calm the storm, he took his crucifix and dipped it into the sea, but it slipped from his grasp and fell into the water. The next morning, as he paced on the seashore of Seram Island, he saw a crab approach him with his cross in its claws. He knelt down, retrieved the cross, and blessed the crab

According to legend, Francis would wash his feet at the well on the left side of the road leading to the chapel. The well has steps carved out of rocks leading to the water below. Locals believe that if you look deep into the well you can see a cross and two burning candles. Another well is on the right side of the road. The water level here is deeper and the saint is believed to have drunk at this well. Today, after the Mass on the sixth day of every month, people line up at the well with empty bottles to drink the water as it is believed the water heals them from all types of sicknesses


This silver statue of St Francis Xavier is brought out by the rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus once a year—on April 7, the saint's birthday. It was crafted by Indian artisans in 1670. The statue weighs 70kg and is topped with a crown of gold. During Portuguese rule, every governor general who arrived in Goa from Lisbon would visit the Basilica before taking charge. The new governor would then exchange his staff with that in the hands of the saint