Church official rubbishes ‘last exposition’ rumors

A priest, wishing not to be quoted, claimed those in the tourism industry are spreading the rumors.

Panaji:  A Church official in Goa has rubbished rumors that the exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier, to be held this year, will be the last one.

Over the last few days, rumors have been flying thick and fast that the decennial exposition, to be held between November 2014 and January 2015, will be the last.

"It's perfectly untrue. I do not know who these people are spreading such rumors. But I've been hearing such rumors since the last four expositions," said Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, secretary to the archbishop.

A priest, wishing not to be quoted, claimed those in the tourism industry are spreading the rumors.

"The people who stand to benefit from such rumors are those in the travel and tourism industry. There is a fear being spread in the minds of devotees that this will be the last exposition. This will increase the numbers of those visiting Goa, and will end up creating even bigger business for those in tourism," he said.

Source: Times of India