Q. When is the opening and the closing of the Exposition?

A. The solemn opening is on 21 November 2024 and the closing is on 05 January 2025.

Q. What is the Mass timing on the opening day?

A. 9:30 a.m. followed by the solemn procession.

Q. Who will be allowed in the opening and closing procession on 21 November 2024 and 05 January 2025?

A. Only chosen representatives. All the other faithful will be on the sides of the procession path.

Q. What needs to be avoided during the procession?

A. Please avoid crowding close to the Relics due to security reasons. Maintain silence and a spirit of prayer. Avoid unnecessary photography and videography.

Q. Will there be veneration on opening and closing days?

A. On the opening day veneration will begin after 3 p.m. and on 05 January 2025 there will be no veneration.

Q. What are the timings of the veneration of the Relics?

A. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday from 22 November 2024 till 04 January 2025.

Q. Is prior booking available for veneration?

A. No. This is a religious event and there is no prior booking.

Q. Which days are expected to be crowded for veneration?

A. Normally, weekends, novena days and feast day (24^th November to 3^rd December), holidays, there can be more people.

Q. Is there a facility for wheelchair?

A. Yes, there will be a special counter for the sick and the disabled.

Q. Is the wheelchair facility also for senior citizens?

A. No. We encourage that pilgrims be in the queue since it is a part of the veneration.

Q. How does one avail of wheelchair facility?

A. A certifying letter from the Parish priest or a Doctor or a PwDs certificate issued by the Government is required.

Q. Which days are better to bring the sick and the disabled?

A. On Weekdays. Weekends, holidays, Novena days are to be avoided.

Q. Can I still give name/s for wheelchair facility to my parish in Goa?

A. No. The last date is over.

Q. How do I get a Pass for the Wheelchair facility now?

A. You will have to collect the Pass from the Counter from 22 November 2024 onwards by producing any of the documents listed above.

Q. Where will be the counter for the Sick and the disabled?

A. At the gate in front of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

Q. Is there any facility for online booking of the Pass for the Sick and the disabled?

A. No.

Q. Which parking area is closest to the Wheelchair facility counter?

A. The Bakhiya Property Parking area is closest.

Q. Will cars be allowed till the Wheelchair facility counter?

A. Only those who have a PASS for the Wheelchair facility will be allowed. Only drop and pick-up facility. No parking.

Q. What are some of the Dos and Don’ts for holy Mass and veneration?

a) Please dress modestly.

b) Standing in the queue is part of the pilgrimage. Please do it in a prayerful manner and with a spirit of penance. Avoid the temptation of

skipping the queue.

c) Park your vehicle in designated parking areas only. Avoid parking on roadside. Take care to see that your vehicle does not obstruct others.

d) Be sensitive to the person/s besides you. Be cordial and gentle always.

e) Do not carry baggage/s while coming for the veneration. Bags will not be allowed inside the veneration.

f) Photography inside the veneration area (Cathedral) is not permitted.

g) Kindly switch off mobile phone during Mass and before entering the veneration area.

h) Water bottles and liquids will not be allowed inside the veneration area.

i) Avoid coming to Old Goa with Gold ornaments and other precious things. Take care of your belongings at all times.

Q. What are the Mass timings during Novena and other days?

A. From 22 November till 04^th January 2025, there will be 8 Masses every day. 6:00, 7:15, 8:30, 9:45, 11 a.m. 3:30, 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m.

(The 6:15 p.m. Mass will be in English and the rest in Konkani).

Q. Can faithful coming from outside the State of Goa book a time slot for Mass?

A. Yes, they can book 12:15 p.m. and 2 p.m. slot. Prior booking is required. Contact the Rector of the Basilica at basilicabj@gmail.com

Q. Where do we get information for booking of accommodation?

A. Please go to the website of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. www.archgoadaman.com

Q. Can we book accommodation over the phone?

No. Please write an email to the respective Institute.

Q. Is there any app we can download to get more information?

A. Yes, you can download the App Catholic Connect.

Q. What time is the closing celebration?

A. Prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. It will be followed by the solemn procession and the Holy Mass.