On December 3, 2024, a large crowd gathered early at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa for the 3:45 am mass, marking the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier. The event drew people from various parts of Goa and beyond to pay tribute to the missionary who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in Asia, especially in Goa. Known as the Apostle of the Indies, St. Francis Xavier’s influence continues to be celebrated, with his relics preserved at the Basilica, attracting thousands of visitors annually.