Information on Basilia Bom Jesus church of Goa

Posted Date: 30-Dec-2011		Category: Goa Information
Author: Renin	Member Level: Silver
Rating:	Points: 25 (Rs 15)

In this article you can find information on the Basilia Bom Jesus church located in Goa. I have provided information on the church with reference to its history and architecture.

Information on Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Goa has many famous churches and one of them which is famous all over the world is the Basilica Bom Jesus church. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a catholic church constructed by the Portuguese during their rule in Goa. The church has been identified as a UNESCO world heritage site and especially known for holding the remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Bom Jesus means Good/holy Jesus and is one of the first Minor Basilica church in India.

The church is constructed as per the Portuguese architecture and has elaborated designs inside the church.

History of the Basilica of Bom, Jesus Church (Goa)

The church was built in late 16th century and was consecrated in 1965 by the then archbishop Bom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes. The church is hence one of the oldest in Goa and even in India. The church is regarded as a world heritage place as it holds the remains of Saint Francis Xavier who is believed to have miraculous healing power. Saint Francis Xavier along with St. Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus.

Saint Francis died on 2nd December 1552 and his body was first taken to Malacca. However two years later his body was brought back to Goa and is ever since kept in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa. The remains of the saint is shown in public every ten years and it attracts a number of devotees from India and all around the world. The next public viewing will be allowed in 2014.
Construction and Architecture of Basilia of Bom Jesus, Goa

The Basilia of Bom Jesus is one of the oldest churches in India and the architecture also depicts the same. The floor of the church is made of marble and precious stones inlayed in it. The church has a simple construction apart from the altars. The church is well decorated by various old paintings or Murals as they are known which depict the life of St. Francis Xavier.
The church also has a mausoleum which was a gift from the last of the Medicis, Cosimo III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. On top of the mausoleum is the silver casket holding the body of St. Francis Xavier.

On the upper level of the church is the Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery where paintings of the Goan painter Dom Martin are exhibited.
The Basilia of Bom Jesus is one of the main tourist spots in Goa and one must surely visit this church in their trip to Goa.

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