The Basilica(Church) of Bom Jesus or Basilica of Bom Jesu (Portuguese: Basílica do Bom Jesus),which is 400 years old located in Goa, holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa, about 10 km from the city of Panjim.

About Bom Jesus Basilica

Bom Jesus' (literally, 'Good or Holy Jesus') is the name used for the infant Jesus. The Cathedral is India's first minor Basilica, and is considered as one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India. 

(Photo by: mckaysavage)

Inside the Church

One of the richest churches in Goa with carpeted marble flooring inlaid with precious stones, elaborate gilded altars, and paintings of St.Xavier makes this place beautiful and exquisite though the interior of the church otherwise is simple.

The Tomb of St. Francis Xavier (1696) was the gift of the last of the Medicis, Cosimo III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany.  The tomb was carved by the 17th century Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini. It took ten years to complete.

The body of St. Francis Xavier

This world heritage monument built in 1695 and has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity. It contains the body of St. Francis Xavier, a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) founded by St. Ignatius Loyola. St. Francis Xavier died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552.

The casket containing his body is made of silver. The holy relics of the saint are displayed every ten years during the anniversary of the Saint's earth. His feast is on 3^rd December. The Basilica of Bom Jesus church at Goa, India, is around 400 years old. It has relics of St. Francis Xavier.

The body of St. Francis Xavier is kept in well decorated casket which is seen in the photographs alongside and is open to public everyday but one can touch it only during the special expositions.

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