10 km east of Panaji, along the Mandovi river, is the town of Old Goa, where
lie some of India’s greatest churches and among them, the most popular and the
most revered by Christians worldwide is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Basilica,
dedicated to Infant Jesus, has been declared a
World Heritage Monument now. 'Bom
Jesus' means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus'. Renowned throughout the Catholic
world, the
16th century cathedral is
India's first Minor Basilica,
and is considered as one of the best examples of baroque architecture in
India.
The layout follows simple Renaissance norms while the detailing and decoration
is unabashed Baroque. It's an opulent structure which incorporates white marble
and has beautifully gilded altars decorated with frescoes and inlay work.
The Basilica houses the sacred relics of
St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of
Goa who died in
1552. The mortal remains of the
saint were gifted to the church by Cosimo de Medici III, Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Today, the embalmed body lies in an airtight glass coffin positioned in a silver
casket crafted by a
17th century Florentine sculptor, Giovanni
Batista Foggini. In accordance with his wishes, his remains were transferred to
Goa the following year after his death. It is said that, while transferring, the
saint's body was found to be as fresh as the day it was buried. This miraculous
phenomenon continues to attract the devout from all lands, and an 'Exposition'
or public viewing of his body happens, once every decade, to allow pilgrims to
view it. The saint is believed to have miraculous powers of healing, and
pilgrims come from all over the world to offer prayers. The silver casket is
lowered for public viewing only during the public exposition. Last exposition
was in
2004.
Intricately carved basalt embellishments make it one of the richest facades
in
Goa. The layout follows simple Renaissance norms while the detailing and
decoration is unabashed Baroque. The mausoleum of St. Xavier is a marvel of
Italian art (the marble base) and Hindu craftsmanship (the silver casket). The
elaborately gilded altars are beautiful examples of sculptures and carvings in
wood, stone, gold and granite. Columns are covered with marble and inlaid with
precious stones. The church also houses paintings depicting the life of St.
Francis Xavier.
Source: National Portal Content Management Team Reviewed
on:
19-03-2011
