BASILICA BOM JESUS

This splendid basilica is the most important historical monument of Goa. Its construction began in 1594 and was completed in 1605. The basilica has become an important milestone in the historical legacy of Christianity throughout the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves the relics of St. Francis Xavier whose body is in a remarkable state of preservation 450 years after his death. This Jesuit church whose name means Good Jesus is the most beautiful example of baroque art in India.

The interior of the church is relatively sober except for the choir and the pulpit, which are gilded on all sides. The floor is made of marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. The high altar is also gilded with fine gold and decorated with the Last Supper on the front. The fully gilded altarpiece rises to the ceiling of the choir. At its center, a statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola seems to marvel at the name of Jesus inscribed in the cartouche above his head. It is framed by four finely crafted columns on either side. At the top of the altarpiece, the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) watches over the congregation.

The pulpit, hanging on the right side of the nave, is also a baroque jewel. All carved wood and gilded with fine gold, it is decorated with cherubs and saints. Without a staircase, the priest would make his appearance through a door hidden behind the wall of the church, in a part not accessible to the public.

St. Francis Xavier was a companion of Ignatius of Loyola and together they founded the Jesuit order. He died in 1552 on an island in the China Sea while on his way to the mainland. The Portuguese buried him in Melacca (Malaysia) at first before bringing his remains back to Goa two years later. Today, he is placed in an imposing coffin to the right of the nave. Made of silver, it is the work of a Florentine sculptor who took 10 years to create it. Many of the faithful come to the chapel to pray, as the saint is said to have miraculous healing powers. His relics are shown to the public on December 3 every 10 years, which attracts a great number of pilgrims. The last public viewing of the remains was in 2014.

Richly decorated, paintings on the walls, marble floor inlaid with semi-precious stones, altar covered with gold, this church whose name means little Jesus, is literally stormed by devotees every December 2, the anniversary of the death of St. Francis Xavier.