Portuguese Minister Paulo Rangel Visits the 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa
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H.E. Mr. Paulo Rangel, Portugal's Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, led a visit to the 18th Exposition of St. Francis Xavier's relics.
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The delegation included key Portuguese officials and was received by prominent Goan figures.
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The visit symbolizes cultural and religious exchange between Portugal and Goa.
On December 14, 2024, H.E. Mr. Paulo Rangel, the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, made a notable visit to Goa for the ongoing 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa. Accompanied by a significant delegation from Portugal, including the advisor to the minister, Filipe Ramalho Ortigao, Ambassador of Portugal Joao Ribeiro de Almeida, and press officer Joana Reis, the visit underscored the deep historical ties between Portugal and Goa.The delegation's itinerary included a tour of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the relics of St. Francis Xavier, a revered figure in Christian history, are preserved. The relics, displayed once every decade, attract pilgrims and tourists from across the globe, highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of this event.
During the visit, Law Minister of Goa, Shri Aleixo Sequeira, along with Secretary (Revenue) & Commissioner Exposition Shri Sandip Jacques, IAS, presented a memento to Mr. Rangel and his delegation, symbolizing the warm welcome and the cultural bond shared between the two regions. The gesture was part of the protocolary events organized to celebrate the visit.
The Portuguese delegation was guided through the basilica by Fr. Patricio Fernandes, the Rector of the Basilica, and Fr. Henry Falcao, with additional company from local dignitaries including Secretary (Protocol) Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, and Collector North Dr. Sneha Gitte, IAS. The tour not only served as a homage to St. Francis Xavier but also as an opportunity to reflect on the historical connections and the shared heritage between Goa and Portugal.
This visit by the Portuguese delegation was more than a ceremonial event; it was a moment of cultural exchange and a reaffirmation of the historical links due to Goa's past as a Portuguese colony. The exposition, which commenced on November 21, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on January 5, 2025, continues to draw attention to the rich tapestry of Goan culture influenced by its colonial history.
Keywords: Paulo Rangel, Portugal, Goa, St. Francis Xavier, Exposition, Sacred Relics, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Cultural Exchange, Historical Ties