Thousands Gather for St Francis Xavier Feast in Goa

Thousands of people gathered in Old Goa, near Panaji, to celebrate the annual feast of St Francis Xavier.

They started praying early in the morning at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the saint's relics are kept.

The main mass was led by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman.

This feast is the end of a nine-day prayer called a Novena.

This year, there was a special part called the 'Jubilee of Persons with Disabilities,' which brought together many people with disabilities and their families.

A priest named Fr Maverick Fernandes gave a speech about understanding and respecting people with disabilities and including them in society.

He talked about the difference between disabilities and mental illnesses and how we should treat everyone with kindness and give them equal opportunities.