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Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has sought Rs 300 crore for an exposition, held once in 10 years, of St Francis Xavier's relics scheduled later in 2024, officials said on Sunday.

An additional Rs 700 crore was sought from the Centre for water augmentation projects by Sawant, who was participating in a pre-budget meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday.

 

CM Sawant said these initiatives are essential for Goa's development.

 

The relics of St Francis Xavier are preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa near state capital Panaji. The exposition is scheduled to be held between November 21, 2024 and January 5, 2025.

 

St. Xavier (1506-1552), was born in Xavier in the Navarre Kingdom (now a part of Spain). He was one of the first seven Jesuits who took vows of poverty and chastity at Paris' Montmarte in 1534. He is known for his evangelisation work in Asia, especially in the Portuguese colonies, mainly India.

 

 He was also one of the first missionaries into Japan, the Maluku islands and Borneo, though, compared to India, he did not have much success there.

 

 He was keen to preach in China but he died in Shangchuan Island before doing so.

 

After burial at the island’s beach, his body, which is said to have not decomposed, was taken to St Paul’s church in Portuguese Malacca in1553, from where it was moved to Goa.

 

Now, the body rests in an open grave in the Basilica in a glass casket. 

 

The decennial event when the public can view the casket is attended by lakhs of people from across the world.

 

The additional demand by CM Sawant for Rs 700 crore was for water augmentation projects. Financial support is also required for the Konkan Railway to strengthen connectivity and economic growth in the state, read a statement from the CM’s office, PTI reported.

 

"The chief minister said these initiatives are essential for Goa's development, and he expressed certainty that they will be included in the upcoming Union Budget 2024-2025," the CMO said.

 

Sawant was in Delhi on Saturday to participate in the GST Council meeting and the pre-budget meeting chaired by the Union finance minister.