Tag: Mass Schedule

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Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa Closed for Visitors on November 8

Tanisha Cardozo

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of Goa’s most iconic landmarks, will remain closed to tourists and visitors on Saturday, November 8, 2025, due to a special religious service. While the 6 am and 7 am Konkani Masses will continue as usual, the 8 am English Mass has been cancelled to accommodate the special service scheduled at 10:30 am exclusively for invited attendees.

This temporary closure is aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the religious program and providing a serene environment for attendees. Visitors planning to explore the Basilica on this day are advised to make alternate arrangements.

Furthermore, tourists and devotees are urged to exercise caution from November 10 to 23, 2025, as preparations will be underway for the Novena and the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, one of the most significant religious celebrations in the region. These preparations include logistical arrangements, crowd management, and special event setups that may temporarily affect regular visitor access.

Fr. Patricio Fernandes SJ, the Rector of the Basilica, emphasized the importance of observing these temporary restrictions to maintain the sanctity of the religious events and ensure the safety of all visitors.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, recognized for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, continues to attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually. Visitors planning to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site are encouraged to check the schedule in advance and plan their visit around these special events to avoid inconvenience.

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98th Death Anniversary of Ven. Agnelo: Pilgrim of Hope

Tanisha Cardozo

The 98th death anniversary of Ven. Agnelo will be solemnly commemorated at Pilar, Goa, from 11th to 20th November 2025. Ven. Agnelo, a beacon of faith and hope, continues to inspire pilgrims from across India and abroad.

This year’s theme, “Ven. Agnelo inspires us to be pilgrims of Hope,” reflects the spirit of devotion and service that marked his life and ministry.

Daily Masses will be celebrated in the morning at 5:30, 6:45, 8:00, 9:15, and 10:30, and in the evening at 4:00, 5:15, and 6:15. The solemn Mass on 20th November at 9:30 AM will be presided over by His Excellency Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay.

The novena, held from 11th to 19th November, will be dedicated each day to special intentions such as peace in the world, migrants and refugees, youth, children, priests and religious, families, the environment, the sick, and missionaries.

Highlights of the commemoration include a Night Vigil on 14th November from 9:30 PM to 5:00 AM, multilingual Masses on 16th November in Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, and a Mass for the sick on 18th November at 10:30 AM. Spiritual gatherings, confessions, counseling, and a campaign of prayers for Ven. Agnelo’s canonization will also be part of the observances.

Every Mass will be followed by novena prayers and blessings over the sick. The event draws thousands of devotees each year, a testimony to Ven. Agnelo’s enduring influence as a man of deep faith, humility, and service. His legacy continues to guide all who visit Pilar to live as true pilgrims of hope.

Watch the Mass on Allycaral at 9:15 AM.

Special Occasion

Feast of St. Jerome 2025: Mass Schedule for Sunday, October 5 at St. Jerome Church, Mapusa-Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The Feast of St. Jerome will be joyfully celebrated on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at St. Jerome Church in Mapusa, Goa — a day held dear in the hearts of many Goans, both near and far. This annual event, rooted in centuries of devotion, continues to be a spiritual cornerstone for the community.

Masses will be celebrated throughout the morning at 6:30 AM, 7:45 AM, 9:15 AM, and a special English Mass at 11:00 AM, offering all faithful an opportunity to come together in worship. The church, adorned in festive décor, becomes a place of reverence and reflection as parishioners, pilgrims, and visitors join in prayer and thanksgiving.

Beyond religious observance, the Feast of St. Jerome is also a celebration of cultural heritage — filled with traditional music, a sense of unity, and generations gathering to uphold the values of faith, humility, and service inspired by St. Jerome, the Church Father and Biblical scholar.

St. Jerome holds great significance in Christian history for his monumental contribution to Scripture. He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin, a version known as the Vulgate, which became the standard text for centuries. A staunch advocate for scholarly rigor and spiritual discipline, St. Jerome’s life exemplified deep commitment to truth, study, and asceticism. His feast is a reminder of the power of sacred texts, the importance of intellectual devotion to faith, and the enduring relevance of Scripture in daily life.

All are welcome to partake in this sacred celebration and experience the deep spiritual richness that defines Goa’s faith traditions.