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The feast of Saint Francis Xavier is celebrated on 8 December, although it is celebrated sometimes on 3 December.

It is a large celebration in Velha Goa, Goa and beyond.

In St. Francis Xavier is called popularly as Saib or Gõi-cho Saib ( Master of Goa ) and the place Velha Goa, is also called Saibachem Goem ( St. Francis Xavier's Goa ).

In the year 2009, the was Sam Fransikachea Visvaxiponnachea Dekhin, Jezu-Noketra Bhaxen Porzollum-ia, which translates from Konkani into English as ' Inspired by the faithfulness of Saint Francis, let us shine like Jesus, the Star ', probably based on the year's pastoral theme of the Archdiocese of Goa e Damão Noketram Bhaxen, Sonvsarant Porzollum-ia which translates into English as ' Shine like Stars, in the World '.

The theme of the feast of Saint Francis Xavier, draws light from the Universal Church's declaration of 2009-10 as the Year for Priests.

Similarly, the celebrations also reflected on the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman's focus on the youth that year.

A huge pandal was erected in the front of the Bom Jesus Basilica, with almost eight to ten novena Masses daily mainly in Konkani, besides English, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Portuguese.

The Archbishop, concelebrates the Solemn High Mass, with other bishops and numerous priests.

In 2009, Bishop of Belgaum, Rt Rev Peter Machado will be the main celebrant.