Goencho Saib is a name coined for St. Francis Xavier by his many devotees in and around Goa. Born in Navarre, Spain, he became one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
St. Francis Xavier arrived in Goa in 1542 and spent a significant amount of time in the region. He played a crucial role in establishing Christianity in various parts of Asia, including India, Malacca (present-day Malaysia), and Japan. His missionary work had a lasting impact in these areas, especially in Goa.
Early Life – Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506 in the castle of Javier, Navarre, Spain. He was the youngest son of an impoverished nobleman, who had died while Francis was still a child. Francis grew up with the clear determination to repair the damage to his family’s fortunes. His plans envisioned dreams of earthly ambition. In the end, instead of becoming a wealthy patron to tenants and soldiers, he became the patron of missionaries. God restored for all ages the family’s honour by making him a legend and a saint.
Missionary Work in Asia – In 1541, Xavier embarked on his missionary journey to the East Indies, marking the beginning of an extraordinary odyssey. His first destination was Goa, a Portuguese colony in India, where he laboured tirelessly, learning local languages and customs to communicate the Christian message effectively.
His mission extended beyond India; he ventured into Japan, Malaysia, and the Moluccas, fearlessly traversing geographical barriers and cultural divides. His commitment to spreading Christianity was unwavering, often preaching in marketplaces, villages, and even royal courts, despite facing numerous challenges and adversities.
Miracles and Canonization – St. Francis Xavier’s relentless dedication to spreading Christianity earned him the title “Apostle of the Indies.” His legacy endures through the countless churches, schools, and charitable organizations that continue to bear his name and follow the principles he espoused.
One of the miracle stories attributed to Saint Francis Xavier is how he got his cross back after losing it at sea. It was said that Francis Xavier was caught up in a storm as he was travelling to Malacca in the year 1546. With much faith, he threw his cross into the sea, asking God to make it an instrument to pacify the turbulent sea. God indeed came to his aid. The storm halted and the sea calmed down. But he lost his cross. According to the story, Francis Xavier, upon reaching the shores of Malacca, found a crab crawling towards him holding the missing cross in one of its claws. This story was so important that it was depicted on the altar at the canonization ceremony and was one of four miracles represented on the banner that decorated St. Peter’s Church on that occasion.
Relics of St. Francis Xavier & Establishment of Basilica – After his death on December 3rd, 1552 on the island of Shangchuan, China, his body was brought back to Goa and enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The basilica was constructed specifically to house his mortal remains.
Despite being buried several times and facing humid conditions, St. Francis Xavier’s body is remarkably well-preserved. Every ten years, during the Exposition, his body is publicly displayed for veneration, drawing pilgrims from all over the world. The next exposition is planned for the year 2024 during the months of December and January.
The feast of St. Francis Xavier, celebrated on December 3rd, attracts both religious devotees and tourists to honour his memory. This year however it will be celebrated on the December 4th, 2023, as December 3rd is the first Sunday of Advent.
Let us pray that St. Francis Xavier continues to protect our motherland Goa against all evil influences and help us to weather all storms.
-Louella S. Dias