Artistic tribute to Goa's patron, St Francis Xavier, on his birthday

In a unique exhibition that is probably one of the first in this region, a group of talented artists from across Goa are coming together to celebrate the life of Goa's most revered, St Francis Xavier, through their paintings.

April 7, being the birthday of Goa's patron saint, the Borim church hall in Ponda, will host 21 practising artists and their paintings that depict the deep spiritual and cultural connection Goans have with their favourite saint.

The exhibition, titled Goencho Saib Goenchem Akaran, will be on display from April 8 to 13 from 10 am to 5 pm.

THE CURATOR SPEAKS  

"The idea to hold such an exhibition came from Fr Victor Ferrao, who is the parish priest of St Francis Xavier Church in Borim," informs Raymond Pereira, a practising artist and teacher at the Nirmala Institute in Panjim. This is Raymond's exhibition as a curator, so his excitement knows no bounds.              

"People in Goa already know who St Francis Xavier is. However, we don't know what he is to each Goan. All of us have different ideas and perspectives of the saint, so we thought of bringing the artists together to get their expressions on what St Francis Xavier is to them," he explains.

Raymond Pereira, exhibition curatorAll of us have different ideas and perspectives of the saint, so we thought of bringing the artists together to get their expressions on what St Francis Xavier is to them

THE MAN BEHIND IT

Fr Victor Ferrao, who celebrates his birthday on April 6, just a day before the saint's, says, "What sets this exhibition apart is its portrayal of Goencho Saib as an intimate figure, and not as a distant . Goans, whether in their ancestral villages or scattered across the diaspora, carry him in their hearts, a bond unbroken by miles or time."   

"One shouldn't see Goencho Saib merely as a relic of colonial history but as a dynamic source of life, and the art exhibition in Borim establishes his living presence. Through their , the artists depict the saint as a companion in fishing villages, a guardian amid paddy fields, and a beacon of hope in the face of challenges of life," Fr Victor narrates.

THROUGH HIS LENS: Prashant Nageshkar's interpretation of what the saint means to him.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The 21 artists, who are showcasing their works hail from the north to south of Goa, from places like Mapusa, Rivona, Vasco, Chinchinim, and the surrounding villages of Borim such as Durbhat, Panchwadi and Shiroda.

Besides the 21 adult artists, 13 young budding aspirants from schools have been given an opportunity to their works. These are from schools based in Fatorda, Borim, Panchwadi, Shiroda, Raia and Loutolim.      

MOST-REVERED: A painting by Steven Lobo that will be on display at the exhibition.

THE INCLUSIVENESS

The exhibition also stands out for its inclusivity, with 9 Hindu artists displaying their works alongside their Christian counterparts. "For us, it's not about religious bias; it's about being Goan," says Raymond. "St Francis Xavier is the patron of all Goans, regardless of their faith."  

After its debut in Borim, the exhibition will travel across Goa, visiting in Chicalim (Mormugao), Macazana (Salcete) and Bhatpal (Canacona), where St Francis Xavier is the patron. The artworks will also be exhibited at Tuem in Pernem where there is a chapel dedicated to the saint.          

Fr Victor Ferrao, Borim parish priestOne shouldn't see Goencho Saib merely as a relic of colonial history but as a dynamic source of life, and the art exhibition in Borim establishes his living presence

TRUE CELEBRATION

Goencho Saib Goenchem Akaran can be understood as "the likeness of St Francis Xavier, the Lord of Goa. It’s not just about the physical or historical representation of the saint, but more importantly, about how he embodies the —its people, culture, faith, and resilience.

The exhibition, not only celebrates the saint, but also Goa’s art scene, its spiritual heritage, and its inclusive, multicultural community.