Feast of St. Francis Xavier

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier, celebrated every year on 3rd December, honors St. Francis Xavier - one of the most revered Christian missionaries and co-founder of the Jesuit Order.

In Goa, the festival holds special significance, as his sacred relics are preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. Thousands of devotees from India and abroad gather for masses, novenas, prayers and processions leading up to the feast day.

The atmosphere becomes festive with illuminated churches, traditional music, long prayer queues and a vibrant fair around the church complex. The celebration reflects St. Francis Xavier’s legacy of compassion, service and missionary work, making it one of Goa’s most important spiritual events.