Our Patron
St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier was born in Spain in 1506 to a noble family. He was influenced by Ignatious Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus, who recruited Xavier into this order.
St. Francis Xavier reached Goa in 1542 specifically to stem the rot amongst the Christian faithful and in a short period of time caused a major awakening. He was instrumental in building many churches and institutions in Goa and elsewhere. He traveled across Malacca, China and Japan.
St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, affectionately called as ‘Goencho Saib’ or ‘Lord of Goa’ died in 1552 on his way to China. His body - sacred relic, brought in 1554 to Goa is housed in a silver casket in the Bom Jesus church. It is brought in a ceremonious procession to the SE Cathedral every ten years for an exposition - public veneration
He was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1619 and canonized together with St. Ignatius by Pope Gregory XV, on March 12th, 1622.