Basilica Of Bom Jesus, Goa

Situated in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus was built in 1605 AD. The Basilica is home to the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier and is a monument typical of the classic forms of architecture introduced by the Society of Jesus, otherwise known as the Jesuits. It is the only church in Old Goa that is not plastered on the outside. The façade though un-plastered is a magnificent example of baroque architecture combining elements of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian design. The interior of the church is a study in contrast. The design in itself is simple, but the floor is laid with the finest marble and was inlaid with precious stones. The retable of the main altar exhibits a huge statue of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder (along with St. Francis Xavier who was a founding member) of the Society of Jesus and below it, a small image of Bom Jesus (Child Jesus), the patron of the church.

On the southern side of the transept lies the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier. This chapel has carved and gilded columns and wood-carved floral decorations. This is where the relics of the saint are kept.
The Basilica also contains a modern art gallery with paintings depicting various Biblical scenes.

A site with rich cultural and religious significance, the Basilica of Bom Jesus has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Translating to 'Holy Jesus', this is the only church in Old Goa that is not been plastered on the outside. The facade of the church has triangular roofing which is delicately carved with the initials 'IHS', which is an abbreviation for Jesuit emblem meaning 'Jesus, Saviour of Men'.

History

This basilica is considered one of the seven wonders originated by the Portuguese in the world. The work for this wonder started at the end of the 16th century by Dom Fr. Alexio de Menezes, a famous archbishop. This basilica was considered a landmark for Christianity in the country. St. Francis Xavier was one of the important figures who helped in spreading Christianity in the country. This church holds the earthly remains of the saint.

There is a small professed house inside the campus of this basilica. This professed house has a history that dates even before the basilica. The story of the beginning of this church is quite an interesting one too. Dom Alexio, Loyola, and others were behind the growing ‘Order of Jesuit’ in India. Right before the construction of this basilica, the senate and other major political heads opposed this order and stopped the construction of the church. However, the founders did not stop. They turned a small house in this region into a church with the name ‘Jesus’ inscribed on their wooden door. They ran the bell the next day morning and opened their home as a church. The political opponents couldn’t legally destroy or damage this home-turned church. However, in the 17th century, a fire broke in the home and destroyed the site and it was rebuilt in 1783 with a spacious structure.

Architecture

The Jesuit church is built in Baroque architectural style. Its white-washed exterior is considered to be the finest example of Baroque architecture in India.

The church is located in Old Goa, and there are freelance guides available right outside the church to explain the significance of everything outside and inside the monument. However, there isn’t any requirement for a guide actually, since there are plaques inside and outside explaining everything.

Modern Art Gallery

Comprising around 36 paintings that depict numerous Biblical scenes, the modern art gallery of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa is one of the major attractions to explore here. Executed in between the years 1973 and 1976, this gallery is the largest of its kind in Asia. The most popular paintings exhibited in this gallery are: ‘Genesis’ and ‘The Last Judgment.

Professed House of Bom Jesus

The Tomb of St. Francis Xavier is another attraction that lets people dig into the history of the region. This tomb was structured post the remains of Xavier Francis were found fresh and intact, and he was declared a saint. Besides that, the Professed House made of laterite rock is another attraction to visit. Constructed between 1585 to 1589, this two-storied building became the mission center for all missions of Jesuit.