House of Saint Francis Xavier: Basilica of Bom Jesus

 Basilica of Bom Jesus


Introduction and History

One of the famous and popular monument among a varieties of other monuments of Goa, is the famous church commonly known as the Basilica of Bom Jesus church situated in Old Goa.

Bom Jesus is the name used for the Ecce Homo in countries of the Lusosphere. This Jesuit church is India's first minor basilica, and is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture and Portuguese Colonial architecture in India. It is one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World.

Famous throughout the Roman Catholic world, the imposing Basilica of Bom Jesus contains the tomb of St Francis Xavier. This structure is famous for The Tomb of St Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket designed by a 17th-century Florentine jeweler. St Xavier is believed to have miraculous powers of healing, and pilgrims used to come from all over the country till some years back to offer prayers when the body of the saint was ceremoniously exposed once every decade. However, the church authorities have ceased display of the body to guard it against deterioration.

The foundation stone of the church was laid way back in 1594. After more than a decade of construction, it was finally completed in 1605. Standing strong since then, this 400-year old church has achieved the distinction of being not just the oldest church in Goa, but also one of the oldest churches in the whole world. This fact in itself places the Basilica of Bom Jesus in a league of its own. Also, it is the first church in India that was raised to the status of a minor basilica in the year 1946. And if you didn’t know, the church is dedicated to the infant Jesus.


Basilica of bom Jesus.


One of the famous monument of Goa, has been my annual visit place. The story began, when I was a small child, from then till now I visit the place every single year and yet, everytime I go there, I feel magical and holy. As I see most of the population of Goa, visits Old Goa once in a year mostly in November - December, as it the time of the novenas and feast of Saint Francis Xavier.

As old Goa recieved my annual presence but sadly for just 1 or 2 days, but in the year 2022, I used my vacation and enjoyed my trip to Old Goa for a week. And during this 7 precious days I got a lot of knowledge about Old Goa and also about the Basilica of Bom Jesus church. From my childhood whenever I went to Old Goa I used to visit the church every single time, after gazing the church for a long time I always wondered and thought that the church is not yet ready because of the red colour of the bricks, I used to wonder if the church is not yet painted till now because it was showcasing it's naked bricks, and as I was used to white painted churches, I used to believe it. Then i tried to research about the   same and I noticed about the Basilica of Bom Jesus was that it's exterior has a non-plastered look. This is in sharp distinction to the other churches in North Goa or South Goa for that matter, all of which exhibit plastered exteriors. However, this doesn’t take away anything from the architecture of the magnificent edifice that was built with laterite stone.

To mention there are a lot a reason of people to visit the Basilica of bom Jesus. To begin with, it is the most renowned church in Goa and truly a one of its kind monument. Boasting of historical significance and structural uniqueness, it stands as the best church in Goa and there is more than one reason for that.

It is also a World Heritage Site; There’s no denying the fact that the Basilica is among the most revered churches by Christians the world over. It is also among the biggest churches in Goa. But do you know that this church is recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To mention the main attraction of people to this church is as you'll know it is none other than the preserved body of Saint Francis Xavier, which is also called mummy of Basilica of Bom Jesus, people all over the state (Goa) or we can say all over the world visit the church just to see and pray to Saint Francis Xavier, which has made the church so unique.

According to me, it is worthy to visit the Basilica of bom Jesus church. It is the one of the beautiful wonders found in Goa.

And If you are a history buff who is interested in different types of architecture, be sure to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, because it will be just the thing to interest you. As It is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture and is a marvel hailing from the by-gone Portuguese era. 

Once you enter, you will see a host of paintings capturing the major life events of St. Francis. If you want to stand inside one of the most historical monuments of Goa, do visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus.


Name: Reagan Pereira

Roll no.: 2203236

Class: FYBCOM (B)

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