Can Your Goa Pilgrimage Transform Lives?

St. Francis Xavier dedicated his life to helping the sick, the poor and the marginalized. Pilgrims visiting Goa can follow in his footsteps and act as modern-day missionaries by supporting NGOs that work tirelessly to uplift the underprivileged in Goa. By donating in cash or kind, visiting the elderly or buying Christmas gifts for orphaned children, visitors can honour St. Francis Xavier’s legacy of love and care.

1. Saint Francis Xavier Institute for Training for Persons with Disabilities, Old Goa

Located just a kilometre away from the historic Basilica of Bom Jesus, this institute is a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities. The organization provides vocational training, skill development, and rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities become self-reliant.

How You Can Help:

● Donate learning materials or equipment to the institute.

● Sponsor vocational training programs.

● Become a benefactor by making a one-time/monthly cash donation to the institute.

Address: Near St. Augustine Tower, Old Goa-Kadamba Road, Bainguinim, North Goa

Phone Number: (0832) 2285743

2. Street Providence, Sangolda

Street Providence addresses hunger, homelessness, and mental health issues in Goa. They operate food banks, homeless shelters, and initiatives for those struggling with addiction or mental illness, giving them a chance to rebuild their lives.

How You Can Help:

● Become a benefactor by making a one-time/monthly financial contribution to the NGO.

● Provide them with any essentials they require at their shelter homes.

● Contribute to their food bank.

Address: 169, Bella Vista Vaddo, Sangolda, Goa 403 511

WhatsApp : +91 – 8380097564 (WhatsApp Messages Only | Strictly “NO Calling” )

3. Alpha Angels for Animals, Moira

Inspired by the belief that compassion extends to all living beings, Alpha Angels for Animals, based in Moira, is dedicated to rescuing, sterilising and rehabilitating stray and abandoned animals. Their shelter offers medical care, food, and a safe haven for animals in need.

How You Can Help:

● Donate animal food and medicines for veterinary care.

● Visit the shelter and spend time with the animals.

● Sponsor their sterilisation drives by making a cash donation to the NGO.

Address: Alpha Angels Animal Trust, Jasmine Villa, Pirazona Moira, Mapusa Bardez, Goa

Phone Number: 09930143336

4. Starting Point Charity School, Sangolda

Starting Point is a small charity school in Goa that offers education to children from poor, migrant families. The parents of most of these children work as menial labourers. Due to their meagre income, they are unable to afford the school fees required to send their children to school. As a result, these children often remain alone at home all day, in challenging conditions without electricity, running water, or sanitation. 

Having started in 2002 with just five children, Starting Point now provides education to 25–40 students annually. The school relies entirely on donations from kind benefactors to support its operations. At Starting Point, children receive basic education in reading, writing, and mathematics up to Grade 2 level, along with lessons in English, Hindi, and Konkani, the local language of Goa. To enhance their well-being, the school provides snacks and hot, nutritious lunches to the students everyday. It also organises recreational excursions for the students to beaches ,parks, and other touristic spots across Goa.

How Can You Help? 

● Become a benefactor by making a one-time or a monthly financial contribution to Starting Point .

● Provide the school with any essentials they require.

● Sponsor the education of an underprivileged student of the school.

Address: Starting Point Charity School, Birings Bella Vista, Sangolda, North Goa.

Phone No.: 8788419633

Website: https://www.startingpointschool.info/

Living the Spirit of St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier’s life reminds us of the joy found in serving others. During your pilgrimage in Goa, take a moment to extend your generosity to these NGOs. Small acts of kindness, such as donating gifts to orphans, spending time with seniors, or supporting the disabled, can make a world of difference.

As you honour the saint’s legacy, remember that by giving hope to the less fortunate, you embody the true spirit of the exposition. Let this pilgrimage be a transformative experience—not just for you, but for those whose lives you touch.

By Steve Antao