Basilica Of Bom Jesus Information :
Location : Old Goa, North Goa tour district
Significance : Dedicated to Infant Jesus; contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa.
Festivals : Feast of St. Francis Xavier, on December 3 every year; exposition of St. Francis Xavier's body, held once in every ten years.
About the Basilica Of Bom Jesus in Goa :
The town of Old Goa has some of Goa's most prominent churches and the Basilica of Bom Jesus church stands out for its magnificent Baroque architecture and sacred legacy. Built in 1695, the Bom Jesus Church has been designed along the lines of Gesu, the Jesuit headquarters in Rome. In 1946, the church was declared a Minor Basilica, the first church of India to be accorded such a status.
Dedicated to Infant Jesus, the church has been declared a World Heritage Monument. 'Bom Jesus' literally means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus.' This impressive structure boasts of pristine white marble flooring and has beautifully gilded altars decorated with frescoes and inlay work. The imposing façade is endowed with a profusion of basalt embellishments making it one of the richest facades in Goa.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the sacred remains of St. Francis Xavier, a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) who died on a sea voyage to China in 1552. Legend has it that when the body of Xavier was transferred to Goa the following year, the body was found as fresh as the day it was buried. Consequent to this miracle the title of 'Saint' was conferred on Xavier and his mortal remains, confined inside his tomb, attracts devotees from all over the world.
The mausoleum of St. Xavier was carved by the 17th century Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini and the saint's body is kept in a silver casket. On the auspicious occasion of 'Exposition,' the silver casket is lowered for pilgrims to view the St. Francis Xavier's body. The exposition of St. Francis Xavier is held once in every ten years, the last being in 2004.
Beauty Of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa :
The Basilica is dedicated to Infant Jesus and is now listed in the World Heritage Monument list. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a member of the Society of Jesus, who came to India with the Portuguese to spread Christianity in India is housed here. He is credited for baptizing various people in Goa. The three-storied facade of Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the richest churches in Goa. It has intricately carved basalt embellishments. The sacred place of worship was designed by two priests, Diogo de Borba and Minguel Vaz and displays an impeccable work of Renaissance architecture. Leviathan columns are decorated with frescoes and inlay work, upto St. Francis Xavier's casket. Considered as one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India, the white marbled church houses a carved basalt medallion depicting the emblem of the Society of Jesus at the apex.
How to Reach the Basilica of Bom Jesus :
One can avail the local bus services of Old Goa to reach the Basilica of Bom Jesus. There are also options of taxis and auto rickshaws. Conducted tours from Panaji feature the Basilica of Bom Jesus church.
