Basilica of Bom Jesus

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old goa church
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Basilica of Bom Jesus

 

The Basilica of Bom Jesus or Borea Jezuchi Bajilika (Portuguese: Basilica do Bom Jesus) is located in Goa, India, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule.Construction work on the church began in 1594 and the church was consecrated in May 1605 by the archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes. This world heritage monument has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity. It contains the body of St. Francis Xavier, a very close friend of St.Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus, the (Jesuits). Francis Xavier died on Sancian Island while enroute to continental China on (December 2, 1552).

The body of Francis Xavier was first taken to Malacca and two years later shipped back to Goa.It is said that the saints body was as fresh as the day it was buried. The remains of the saint attract a huge number of devotees (Christian and non-Christian alike) from all over the world especially during the public viewing of his body every ten years (last held in 2004) . The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing.

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