Goan Emigrant's Hymn to Xavier

The English words to this hymn of petition to St Francis Xavier are attributed to Goa-born and later Spanish-resident song-writer and journalist Basilio Magno (b 1923 - ref).

It is set to an unnamed folk-style tune, which is also used for various other hymns. The source of this is unknown, and no published versions have been found.

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides

Examples

Small group, unaccompanied:

Small group with guitar:

Choir with small orchestra:

The same tune used for a hymn to San Francis Xavier in another language - with keyboard and violin:

Lyrics

St. Francis Xavier, thou holy Prince,
You rule o'er Goa five centuries since;
Today we've gathered our voice to raise,
To sing you hymn of love, and hymn of praise.
Today we've gathered our voice to raise,
To sing you hymn of love, and hymn of praise.

St. Francis Xavier, in Rome's your hand,
God destined you to be in our dear land;
We pray to you dear saint, Goa to bless,
And bless our children with, true happiness.
We pray to you dear saint, Goa to bless,
And bless our children with, true happiness.

St. Francis Xavier, we now implore,
Please pray for emigrants who've come for more;
And bless this country, for all we own,
So with prosperity we may come home.
And bless this country, for all we own,
So with prosperity we may come home.