Consider the following statements:
- St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order
- St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.
- The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- St. Francis Xavier was one of the first seven members of the Jesuit order and travelled extensively, particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan, to share his faith. The Jesuit Order (also known as the Society of Jesus) is a Catholic missionary order of priests and brothers which was founded in 1534 by St Ignatius of Loyola.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- While St. Francis Xavier did not die in Goa (he died in China), his remains are enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where the church is dedicated to him.
Statement 3 is correct
- This annual festival, known as the Feast of St Francis Xavier or Goinchea Saibache Fest, (Lord of Goa Festival), is the biggest of all the Christian festivals in Goa. This feast is celebrated every year in Old Goa on 3rd December at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
