Basilica Of Bom Jesus
The Christianity was popularized and an official proclamation to the effect that Christianity is the official religion was announced by the emperors of Rome and Greece, large churches were named as Basilica and one can see the famous traditional UNESCO World place viz Basilica of Bom Jesus ie., Borea Jezuchi Bajilika in Goa, India, which is nothing but the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Goa had the privilege of being the capital of Portuguese in the earlier period, and the Church is located in Old Goa.
Baby Jesus is called 'Bom Jesus' meaning sacred. To quote the best example of decorative art in India is the Jesuit church which also incidentally happens to be the India’s first basilica.
Historical Background
The Archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixode Menezes did the sacred sanctification of the Church in May 1605 though the building work of the church started in 1594, and thus this on the church began in 1594 and the church was consecrated in May 1605 by the archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes. This world famous traditional holy place containing the body of St. Francis Xavier, who is a close friend of St. Ignatius Loyola, (with whom he contributed the Society of Jesus to the world) has captured an important place in the Christian history, become a heritage monument has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity. In the Sancian Island, on December 2, 1552, during his journey to Continental China Francis Xavier breathed his last.
Francis Xavier’s carcass which was carried to Portuguese Malacca initially was later sent back to Goa after two years and it was a great belief that the holy body was very fresh even while being buried. Large number of devotees of all religions, even today visit to have a glimpse of the Francis Xavier’s remaining more so during the period when the body is kept for public viewing once in ten years period. It is also believed that this great sacred holy man had wonderful healing powers.
One can say that this Church is a very old church not only in Goa but in India. Floorings made with precious marble stones, welcome the visitors, and the interior parts of the Church is kept simple. The life of St. Francis Xavier depicted in the form of paintings adorn the church. The Church also holds the prestige of being donated with the silver casket along with the body of St. Francis Xavier (1696), by the last of the Medicis, Cosimo III, and the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
The 17th Century Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini has architecture the burial chamber (which is the mausoleum) and is said to have taken 10 years for completion. Other special features are that :
The coffer where the body is kept is made of Silver.
Once in ten years, during the sacred man’s death anniversary, his holy remaining is kept for public view and third December happens to be his liturgical feast.
Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery, adorns the area above the burial place, and this displays the great work of Goan surrealist painter, Dom Martin. There is also a mention about this, in the writings of the great Author and fellow Jesuit Anthony De Mello who also hails from Goa.
The other important note worthy things are that
Every day, the 400 years old Basilica of Bom Jesus is open to the public
A decorated coffer holds the sacred body of St. Francis Xavier.
The Exhibition of the sacred body is done once in every ten years. The art works viz MURALS depict these things more clearly (which can be seen in the photographs).
Architecture
Also, the Church is claimed to be the first Minor Basilica in India, and carries one of the best best examples of decorative art in the country. It shows a simple revival theory and the overall decoration is a bold display of the works done. Frescoes and inner work done with white marbles and attractive gilded altars welcome the visitors. Recent inclusions are the speedy ramparts on the northern side of the church. The colonnaded arcade connects the church through an additional structure in the form of a two storey building with lime plaster covering. This structured House which was built in the 16th C by the Jesuits, adorns the portico through a series of black granite.
The Chapel where the sacred body remaining of the saint is kept, comes on the South side of the Church, which has multiple columns and super attractive wooden decorations. Carvings and paintings, made of wood which details about the Sacred man’s life, welcomes the visitors Two notable paintings in the bottom line are – One painting where in one can see the Saint being received by some noble personnel from Portuguese and another one being the saint’s interview with the King of Bango in Japan. The other notable item in the middle row is the three paintings- One displaying Xavier praying sincerely for ending spreading of plague which broke out in Manas Island, the second one showing the abhorrent ulcer wound of a patient in a hospital at Venice being kissed and the third one being, the Pope Paul III proclaiming his sacred benediction while leaving for India. Also, on the top row three paintings of Xavier one as a servant of a knight, his sad demise at Sancian, an island off the coast of China and the saint in ecstasy are noteworthy. The remaining three other sides of Chapel also adorn with different paintings, and they are decorated in wooden frames. These display the portraits of his life and various super powers he possessed. The top wooden door at the chapel’s back side is beautifully decorated by a hanging painting, in oil on canvas, of ST. Francis Xavier.
Art Gallery in Basilica of Bom Jesus
The sacred thing of this one is that this is one of the largest and a unique one in Asia. The gallery is decorated through Italian Art paints. During 1973 and 1976 a total of 36 oil paintings were made and it is said that the maker of these paintings was paid only for his materials, and his architecture was a gift donated to the church. This great Church was specially established, by Fr. George D'Sa and the main two being 'The Last Judgement' (6ft x 9ft) and 'Genesis' (4ft x 28ft).
Worship Services
The basilica is open from 6 am to 6:30 pm every day.
Photo Gallery
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