24/11/2014 …. A book titled The Heroic Saint Francis Xavier was released by the Archbishop-Patriarch Emeritus Rev Raul Gonsalves in presence of Bishop of Mangalore Aloysius D’ Souza and others after the opening ceremony mass of the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier on November 22, 2014 at Old Goa.
The extensively researched, illustrated with sketches, maps of the journeys, paintings, plans and colour photographs was presented by the author to the Archbishop Emeritus for release. The book has a foreword by Fr. Francisco Caldeira. The Nihil Obstat is given by Fr. Manuel Pascoal Gomes, historian and Imprimatur for the book is granted by Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrão.
The major achievement of this book is that the story of St. Francis Xavier unfolds inside-out. The book accompanies him on his travels against the background of war, politics, and intrigues. Long waits, patient focusing, administrative acumen and unwavering determination define his strong personality. His disappointments, doubts about himself serving God adequately, his acceptances of failure, his physical weaknesses, and his illnesses reveal a human being who rises above limitations and restrictions in his zeal to serve God and the people he cared for. His prayers, letters, comments reveal the inner man candidly.
His last journey, from the place of his death to the final resting place in Old Goa, is brought vividly to life. The awed adorations, the doubts, the examinations and the dissections come to life as if we are eye witnesses to the events.
The book is designed by Nisha Albuquerque, photography by Agnelo Lobo, published by Broadway, Publishing House, and printed by Rama Harmalkar. The proceeds of the books are dedicated to the Blessed Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa.
