Panaji: For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, Jesus Bomb Basilica will welcome pilgrims for Novenas and St Francis Xavier’s party on December 3, but by following all SOPs.
The government has governed the next step for Novenas and the mass party to be held outside the Basilica, where a large pandal will be established similar to pre-pandemic times.
However, this time, the number will be limited.
All services will simultaneously broadcast online for believers who cannot be physically present for the saint’s respected party as ‘GOENCHO SAIB’.
“Everything is open.
The government has allowed us to have services outside the Basilica this year as long as we maintain all SOPs, cleans and keeps social.
Streaming Live Services will also continue,” Basilica Chancellor, FR Patricio Fernandes, told toi.
The meeting has been held with various government authorities including North Goa collectors, and representatives have examined the venue to check the requirements that must be applied.
The Great Basic and Bishop committee of Goa has also met this issue.
Fernandes said that modalities were being worked on and the announcement would be carried out at the faithful regarding the soup to be followed for ten days.
Last year, when it was impossible to gather because of the restrictions of MHA because Covid-19, the novena mass was not open to the public in Basilica but streaming directly on the official website and YouTube channel from the Basilica, as well as on the website, as well as on CCRTV.
In addition to seeing the flow of tourists regularly, the World Heritage Monument that accommodates the relics of St Francis Xavier attracting lakh worshipers every year during the Novenas and Feast Masses.
It also saw some worshipers from neighboring countries and caves made a pilgrimage to the old cave during this time.
Earlier this year, the multi-disciplinary team from ASI completed the restoration work of the 3rd century Silver Mastrillian Pasket Casket, weighing 400 kg, containing the relics of St Francis Xavier.