Archive · 25 Nov 2025
Goa Prepares for St Francis Xavier Feast
Every year, people in Goa celebrate the feast of St Francis Xavier, who is a very important saint for them.
This year, the big celebration will be on December 3.
Before that, from November 23 to December 2, there are special prayers called novenas.
On the day of the feast, there will be a special ceremony very early in the morning, and then a big church service at 3:45 AM.
Lots of people, about 20,000, are expected to come.
The main leader of the celebration will be the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa.
Many people come to Goa just for this special day to show their love and respect for St Francis Xavier.
The annual feast of St Francis Xavier will be held on December 3 in Old Goa.
Novenas, or special prayers, are being held from November 23 to December 2.
The veneration ceremony will take place between 2 and 3 AM on the feast day.
The first mass will begin at 3:45 AM and is expected to be attended by around 20,000 people.
Auxiliary Bishop of Goa, Simiao Fernandes, will be the main celebrant for the feast.
- Who
- Devotees and the Catholic community in Goa
- What
- Annual feast of St Francis Xavier
- When
- December 3, with novenas from November 23 to December 2
- Where
- Old Goa, at the Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Why
- To honor St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa
- Date of Feast
- December 3
- Location
- Old Goa
- Patron Saint
- St Francis Xavier
- Relics Location
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Veneration Ceremony Time
- 2-3 AM
- First Mass Time
- 3:45 AM
- Expected Attendance
- 20,000 people
- Main Celebrant
- Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes