Basilica of Bom Jesus
Catholic basilica in Old Goa, India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Basilica of Bom Jesus (Portuguese: Basílica do Bom Jesus; Goan Konkani: Borea Jezuchi Bajilika) is a Catholic basilica in Goa, in the Konkan region of India. The church is a pilgrimage centre and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.[1][2] The basilica is located in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, and holds the body of St Francis Xavier.[3]
| Basilica of Bom Jesus | |
|---|---|
Front of the Basilica of Bom Jesus | |
 Basilica of Bom Jesus | |
| 15°30′3.14″N 73°54′41.44″E | |
| Location | Old Goa, Goa |
| Country | India |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
Sui iuris church | Latin Church |
| Website | stfrancisxavierofficial |
| Architecture | |
Functional status | Active |
Architectural type | Basilica |
| Style | Baroque architecture, Portuguese colonial architecture |
| Groundbreaking | 1594 |
| Completed | 1605 |
Bom Jesus (meaning, "Good Jesus" in Portuguese) is the name used for the Ecce Homo in Portuguese speaking countries. It is one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. It was made a basilica in the pontifical decree “Priscam Goae” on 20 March 1946.[citation needed]
History
Construction work on the church began in 1594. The church was consecrated in May 1605 by the archbishop, Aleixo de Menezes. This world heritage monument has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity. It contains the Catholic saint Francis Xavier's body.[4]
The Basilica and its outbuildings were the venue for the 2nd National Eucharistic Congress whose attendees included the Bishop of Dhaka, Peter Joseph Hurth.[5]
Architectural historian Vishvesh Prabhakar Kandolkar's 2025 book Goa's Bom Jesus as Visual Culture: The Basilica's Architecture, Image, History and Identity chronicles the long history of this church.[6] As Kandolkar and others note, the church is in need of significant intervention to maintain its structural upkeep.[7]
Gallery
Interior view towards altar
Relics of St. Francis Xavier
The ornamented entrance to the church
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus-View from the entrance
View from the Se Chathedral
Mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier
Inside courtyard
Basilica of Bon Jesus inside the courtyard
An exhibit in the art gallery
St. Francis Xavier's Vestments
Relic of St. Francis Xavier
Mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier
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