log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2024 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO.167 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 3 5 13 10 St Xavier model messenger of Old Goa turns into a sea of devotees on feast day Good News: Cardinal Tagle Goa’s ST reservation bill may be debated in Parl GOA New Borim bridge: NGT seeks EC clarification from MoEF INFO Foods that you can eat today to detox your body SPORTS Gukesh squanders advantage to settle for draw in Game 7 EXHORTS LAITY TO REFLECT ON ROLE AS MESSENGERS OF GOD’S WORD THE GOAN I NETWORK OLD GOA Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation in the Vatican, on Tuesday described St Francis Xavier as an inspiration and model in being a messenger of the Good News. Cardinal Tagle emphasised the example of St Francis Xavier while delivering a homily at the Feast Mass on the theme, ‘We are messengers of the Good News.’ Cardinal Tagle highlighted St Francis Xavier's missionary zeal, noting, "St Francis was tasked to provide pastoral care mainly to the Catholics in Goa, then in Malacca and Maluku Island, proclaiming the Gospel with zeal amidst difficulties." “In all his missionary travels and activities he brought only the essential books for prayer, catechism and the devout life. It was neither ambition nor conquest that gave him energy. It was love for Jesus who had loved him first. Just love that is all that mattered. The message emboldened the messenger. The ON PAGE 2 „„Pope may visit India sooner than expected: Mauvin „„Candle, flower vendors banned at Old Goa „„Hawkers ban leads to free movement at fair „„Carriage that carried Relics attracts people „„Cops were in full force with 1,500 personnel SACRED RITE: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Bishop of Baroda Sebastião Mascarenhas, Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo Tonito Francisco Xavier Muananoua and Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes venerate the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier on the Feast Day. messenger embodied the message.” Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle called on the faithful to reflect on their roles as messengers of God’s word, emphasising the importance of humility and authenticity in spreading the Gospel. "Authentic messengers of God do not present them- selves; nor do they find a way to be chosen; nor do they create their own message," Cardinal Tagle explained. He further highlighted that these messengers maintain a simple lifestyle and a meek attitude, even when faced with rejection, threats, and persecution. "They face rejection, threats, and persecution as doves, not as wolves, because they depend on God’s goodness and on the power of God’s word." The Cardinal’s words drew a sharp contrast between true and false messengers. "In the history of the world, even to our time, we have witnessed the existence of false messengers. They pretend to be gods, bringing disaster to society," he said. "They are called and sent by the false gods of superiority, ambition, greed, discrimination, injustice, indifference, and violence." He went on to explain that the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus transcend earthly rulers who favour some and neglect others. "Those who allow Jesus to rule their hearts will regard each other not as strangers, >Continued on P9 SPIRITUAL MELTING POT: Thousands of people gather in Old Goa to take part in the celebration of the Feast of St Francis Xavier on Tuesday.  Narayan Pissurlenkar THE GOAN I NETWORK OLD GOA Tens of thousands of devotees thronged the Feast Day on Tuesday, with Old Goa turning into a sea of people throughout the day. People from different walks of life and from different parts of the State, country and the world converged in Old Goa to partake in the celebration of the feast of St Francis Xavier. Devotees from France, Portugal and other countries were seen at the High Mass while people from other States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Jharkhand, Orissa and other States also participated in the celebration. The early morning masses at 3.45 am, 5 am, 6 am, 7.15 am and 8.30 am, in particular, saw an overwhelming participation of devotees as people were seen standing outside the main pandal at the Basilica. The devotees and pilgrims also made a beeline to venerate the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier as the veneration started in the morning at 5 am, in anticipation of the huge crowd. Meanwhile, the parking lots were brimming with vehicles through the day and the traffic police were having a tough task in ensuring smooth flow of traffic. Shops and establishments near the Old Goa flyover at the Old Goa to Neura road junction, were also shut for the day so that the traffic could flow smoothly. The fair, as usual, was also brimming with thousands of people visiting the stalls to purchase the goods sold there. Goan stalls selling sweets and grams, delicacies like Chouris Pao and others, also saw brisk business as they were patronised by devotees and pilgrims alike.