The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa, India

I visited this Basilica this past week on Aug 9, 2006. This Basilica is famous for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The remains can be seen in the casket in the rear center of this photograph. They are brought out for viewing once every ten years.

 

The construction of this church of "Bom" Jesus meaning good or infant Jesus was started in 1594 and consecrated in 1605 as incribed in a choir. The church, cruciform on plan, has a three storied facade having a main entrance flanked by two smaller entrances.

 

Here's what Wikipedia says about this basilica and St. Francis Xavier:

 

"The Bom Jesus Basilica (Portuguese: Basílica do Bom Jesus) is located in Goa, India. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule, about 10km from the city of Panjim.

 

'Bom Jesus' means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus'. The cathedral is India’s first Minor Basilica, and is considered as one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India.

 

This world heritage monument built in 1695 and has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity. It contains the body of St. Francis Xavier; a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) founded by Ignatius Loyola. St. Francis Xavier died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552.

 

The following year, while transferring Francis Xavier's remains to Goa, in accordance with his wishes, it is said that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. The relic attracts a huge number of devotees from all over the world, especially during the public viewing of his body every ten years (last held in 2004). The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing, and pilgrims come from all over the country"

 

You can read more about this on Wikipedia

 

 

 

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