Basilica of Bom Jesus - Goa
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The Basilica, dedicated to Infant Jesus, has
been declared a World Heritage Monument now. 'Bom Jesus'
means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus'. Renowned throughout
the Catholic world,
The Basilica houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier,
patron saint of Goa who died in 1552. The mortal remains
of the saint were gifted to the church by Cosimo de Medici
III, Grand Duke of Tuscany. |
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The church
of Bom Jesus, "Good" or "Infant" Jesus,
is known principally for the tomb of St. Francis Xavier.
In 1946, it became the first church of India to be elevated
to the status of Minor Basilica. One of the richest churches
in Goa, it is covered with marble and inlaid with precious
stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis
Xavier. |
The basilica, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier
are kept, is the best specimen of baroque architecture in India.
St. Francis's body was brought to Goa almost 150 years after
his death. It was a gift from Medici, Cosimo III, the Grand
Duke of Tuscany. It now lies in an airtight glass coffin, placed
inside a silver casket fashioned by a 17th century Florentine
jeweller. The chapel attracts large numbers of visitors every
year. |
