The name Goa in India instantly conjures images of sun kissed beaches and an eternal land of good times. But what this Old Portuguese settlement also offers is some historic structures that give the state its true Goan character.
One of these structures is the most ornate church of Old Goa, also a World Heritage Site called the Basilica de Bon Jesu (Infant Jesus) which houses the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier.
Basilica de Bon Jesu. Courtesy Arijit Gupta
The Story of the Saint
It is said that the catholic saint popularly known as Sam Francesco or Goencho Sahib visited Goa on his way to Malacca in the 16th century. Serving at the Holy Spirit Hospital in Goa for six months, he would go through the streets ringing a little bell and inviting the children to hear the word of God. When he had gathered a considerable number, he would take them to a church to explain Catechism to them.
From here he traveled to China, but died in the desert island of Sancian on December 1552. His body was daubed in quicklime and buried in the sea. When it was exhumed after three months, people were stunned to find no signs of decomposition. The body was then taken to Malacca and reburied. Here again when his body was exhumed after five months, it was found to be in perfect condition.
The casket of St. Francis Xavier. Courtesy Arijit Gupta
Interpreting it as a divine signal, the saint was brought to Goa almost 150 years after his death as 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 jeweler.
Over the years, the body has been shriveling bit by bit and if you see it today, it might be difficult to recognize it as a human figure. But the miraculous relic, does add to the attraction of the beautiful Catholic Church.
Relics of the Saint. Courtesy Arijit Gupta
The Basilica
This is India’s first minor basilica that is known for its beautifully gilded alters and frescos. It is one of the richest churches in Goa and the finest example of baroque architecture in India.
A World Heritage Site. Courtesy Arijit Gupta
With marble flooring, inlaid precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier covering the walls of the church, it is as much an attraction for non-Christians as it is for Christians in India.
Inside the Basilica. Courtesy Arijit Gupta
The Festival
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is held on the 3rd of December at Velha in Old Goa, which witnesses thousands of pilgrims and a special mass held here. The embalmed body of the saint is also exposed to public every 10 years when pilgrims come all over the world pay their tributes to the departed saint.
Best time to visit
Christmas break is definitely a good time to visit Goa especially if you are visiting to see the churches. Some people believe, Goa looks heavenly even when it is flooded with non stop rains from end of May to July and indeed, you do not need to check the time of the year to visit this spectacular destination.
Be sure to read more on the fun and frolics of Goa in my future posts.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Viva Goa !!
Good article. Look forward to more such posts on Goa.
Quite informative specially to those who have not been to Goa.Enjoyed reading and look forward to more on Goa.
Certainly it’s an interesting place.I could well relate to your article as I have been there and would certainly recommend it to all travel lovers.