The traditional “Javieradas” (pilgrimages), annually celebrated at Javier (Pamplona), will be distinguished this year by the Celebrations marking the 5th Centenary of the birth of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of missions and of the region of Navarre. The slogan “Go into all the world” has been chosen for the event. The Fides international press agency has reported the upcoming celebrations. There are two main events: the first took place on 5 March, while the second will be held on Saturday 11 March. The meeting will be preceded by other pilgrimages: one for the clergy on 9 March and the other for senior citizens on 19 March. Meanwhile the main relic of the saint, his right arm, normally exposed to the faithful in the church of the Gesù in Rome, arrived in Spain on 3 March. The relic was taken to the Cathedral of Pamplona and then transferred to Javier, birthplace of St. Francis Xavier, where it will remain in the basilica of the Castle until 20 April. Other events on the centenary programme will include a Congress on the life and work of St. Francis Xavier to be held at Navarre from 27 March to 2 April; it will be attended by delegates from various universities in Spain and Portugal.
