Goa, Nov. 24 -- Hundreds of devotees from Goa and across the country gathered on Monday, November 24, for the first novena Mass of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa. The revered saint's incorrupt relics, preserved for centuries at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, continue to draw pilgrims from around the world, with decennial expositions offering a rare opportunity for public veneration.

The first novena Mass was led by Fr Myron Barretto, who called on the faithful to pray for prisoners while also reflecting on the metaphorical "prisons" people confine themselves to in daily life. Novena Masses will continue to be held both in the morning and evening, with Herald TV broadcasting the 5 pm Konkani Mass live on its YouTube channel.

Pilgrims from vari...