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The Basilica of Bom Jesus now comes under the World Heritage Monument. It was constructed in 1965. This Basilica is 9 km away from Panaji on the banks of Mandovi river situated in Old Goa. This church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1946, and today ranks as the most important and frequently visited church in Old Goa. It is world renowned and houses the mortal remains of Goa's patron saint, St. Francis Xavier, who died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552. . It has surfaced as a milestone in the history of Christianity. The name Bom Jesus basically means "good Jesus" or "infant Jesus". Beauty Of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa The Basilica is dedicated to Infant Jesus and is now listed in the World Heritage Monument list. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a member of the Society of Jesus, who came to India with the Portuguese to spread Christianity in India is housed here. He is credited for baptizing various people in Goa. The three-storied facade of Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the richest churches in Goa. It has intricately carved basalt embellishments. The sacred place of worship was designed by two priests, Diogo de Borba and Minguel Vaz and displays an impeccable work of Renaissance architecture. Leviathan columns are decorated with frescoes and inlay work, upto St. Francis Xavier's casket. Considered as one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India, the white marbled church houses a carved basalt medallion depicting the emblem of the Society of Jesus at the apex Something About Basilica of Bom Jesus The embalmed body of the saint lies in an airtight glass coffin placed in a silver casket crafted by a 17th century Florentine sculptor, Giovanni Batista Foggini. The saint is believed to have miraculous powers of healing, and one can see pilgrims from all over the country, clustering around the precincts to offer prayers. Once in every 10 years, the Church allows devotees to see the body.
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