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The Basilica of Bom Jesus or
Borea Jezuchi Bajilika (Portuguese: Basílica do Bom Jesus) is located in
Goa, India, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica holds the
mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa,
which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule.
'Bom Jesus' (literally, 'Good (or Holy) Jesus') is the name used for the
Ecce Homo in the countries of Portuguese colonization. The Jesuit church
is India’s first minor basilica, and is considered to be one of the best
examples of baroque architecture in India. Construction work on the
church began in 1594 and the church was consecrated in May 1605 by the
archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes.
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This world heritage monument
has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity. It contains
the body of St. Francis Xavier, a very close friend of St. Ignatius
Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus, the (Jesuits). Francis
Xavier died on Sancian Island while en route to continental China on
(December 2, 1552).
The body of Francis Xavier
was first taken to Portuguese Malacca and two years later shipped back
to Goa. It is said that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was
buried. The remains of the saint still attract a huge number of devotees
(Christian and non-Christian alike) from all over the world, especially
during the public viewing of his body every ten years (last held in
2014). The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing.
This is one of the oldest churches in Goa and in India. The floor is of
marble inlaid with precious stones. Apart from the elaborate gilded
altars, the interior of the church is simple. The church also holds
paintings of scenes taken from the life of St. Francis Xavier. The
mausoleum, on the top of which is placed the silver casket with the body
of St. Francis Xavier (1696), was the gift of the last of the Medicis,
Cosimo III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
How to
reach
Nearest airport is Goa
International Airport (IATA: GOI, ICAO: VOGO), more commonly known
as Dabolim Airport, is an
international airport located in the city of Dabolim in Goa.
One can easily reach Basilica de Bom Jesus from the city by taking local Buses,
Rickshaws, Tongas and Taxis.
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