Goa is popular for its excellent and beautiful churches and temples. Among all the churches, the most famous church is present at Old Goa.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus church is situated in village of Old Goa, in the state of Goa, India. It comes under Goa UNESCO world heritage site. This church is one of the oldest church in Goa.
Portuguese ruled on Goa for a period of more than 400 years. This church is one among the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. In Portuguese colonized countries Bom Jesus litterally means Holy Jesus or Good Jesus.
Construction of Church
The Construction of this church began in the year 1594 and was completed in the year 1605. It was consecrated by Archbishop, Dom Father Aleixo de Menezes in May 1605.
But it was raised to the status of minor Basilica in the year 1946. This church has been emerged as a landmark for Christianity in the whole world.
Church construction is of Baroque architecture and marble floor is embedded with precious stones. It is the only church in Goa with non plastered outer walls. The main altar in the church holds a large statue of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, who was the founder of the Society of Jesus.
Saint Francis Xavier
Saint Francis Xavier was a saint and co founder of Soceity of Jesus (also known as Jesuits). He had wished to be buried in Goa after his death.
Saint Francis Xavier died during a sea voyage to China on 3 December 1552 at Sancian (Shangchuan) island. His body was buried at the beach on that island itself. In March 1553, his body was removed and taken to Malacca where it was buried in Saint Paul's Church for a month.
In April 1553, one of the Xavier's companion who had just returned back from Goa, moved his body to his own residence. It remained there until November 1553. In December 1553, his body was moved to Goa and kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus church.
It is said that even though his body was buried a total of three times, each time the saint's body was in the same fresh state as before he was buried. Mortals of Saint Francis Xavier still remain in the church. The body is kept in a well decorated casket.
His right forearm was detached by Superior General Claudia Acquaviva in 1614 and since then it has been displayed at the main Jesuit church in Rome. Another arm bone of his is kept on Coloane island, in Macau.
Paintings depicting scenes taken from the life of Saint Francis Xavier and modern art paintings depicting various Biblical scenes are available in the art gallery of the church. This art gallery is the largest of its kind in the entire continent of Asia and it contains 36 paintings executed between the years 1973 and 1976.
The body of Saint Francis Xavier is taken out and displayed to the public once in every 10 years. This event is witnessed by huge crowd of pilgrims.
Feast of Saint Francis Xavier is held annually on 3 December. The feast day is preceded by 9 days novena and masses. Everyday about thousands of visitors visit the site.
Church Timings
The church does not close its gates for a single day in a year. It remains open for visitors between 9 AM and 6:30 PM from Monday to Saturday, and from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM on Sundays.
So, whenever you plan your trip to visit Goa, don't forget to add this place in your list.
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