I had read and heard a lot about St. Francis Xavier’s mortal remains enshrined in the oldest church in India, the Basillica of Bom Jesus in Goa.
When I got the opportunity to visit the Basillica, I listened intently to the guide narrating the history of the Basillica and was amazed at the size of the structure still standing tall after 419 years with all the paintings, murals, and relics intact.
Though rumors suggest that the body is that of a Buddhist monk, which was smuggled from Sri Lanka and is being projected as St. Francis Xavier’s mortal remains it matters little to the people who visit his Basillica famous for healing powers. There is a peaceful and powerful energy around the place where the Saint who died in 1552 is preserved in a decorated silver casket.
The Basilica construction was started in 1594 and ended in 1605. This UNESCO world heritage monument is a landmark in the history of spreading Christianity in India and is dedicated to Infant Jesus.
Basillica of Bom Jesus is a fine example of elaborate Portuguese Jesuit architecture in India. The building is not plastered from outside and has three storeys. The magnificent façade is built out of black granite measuring 183 feet in length, 55 feet in breadth, and 61 feet in height. The interior of the church is grand and the embellishments are exquisitely carved. The marble floor is inlaid with precious stones and the altars are gold-plated. The main altar attracts a lot of attention as it is 54 feet in height and 30 feet in breadth. The altar contains the idols of infant Jesus and St. Ignatius Loyola.
Inscription found on the columns supporting the choir is in Portuguese and Latin and dates back to the 15th century.
The annual feast of St. Francis Xavier on December 6 is celebrated with great devotion and people flock to the Basillica. Every ten years during the saint’s death anniversary, the holy relics of the saint are displayed.
Other attractions inside the Basilica complex:
Sound-and-light show about Jesus, St. Francis Xavier, and Blessed Joseph Vaz
Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery
The Professed House of the Jesuits
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Ancient Basillica
Situated: North Goa
Distance: 10 kilometres east of Panaji
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Rest room and souvenir shop
