Panaji (Goa): As against the usual date of December 3, the feast of St Francis Xavier will be celebrated on December 4 this year.

“Since the festival of St Francis Xavier comes in the advent season, which is a time of expectant waiting and preparations for the celebrations of Christmas, the feasts of Saints are not celebrated on Sundays,” Fr Alfred Vaz said.

He said that the date December 3 is on Sunday and that is the day which is dedicated only to the services of Lord Jesus in the Advent period.

“We have an option to observe the feast either a day in advance or a day later if it comes on Sunday. That is why it is decided that the feast would be held on December 4,” Vaz said.

The feast which is one of the most important religious event in the coastal state is attended by thousands of people who throng from across India and also from the neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka, the USA and UK.

The body of the saint is placed in a glass container encased in a silver casket at Basilica of Bom Jesus located at Old Goa.