Bom Jesus Basilica Goa

The Bom Jesus Basilica in Goa holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. It is just about 2km from the capital city of Panjim. The church is dedicated to "BOM JESUS" meaning "GOOD JESUS" - the original name was simply "JESUS". The facade has on its top the letters "I.H.S." which are the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek - IHSUS. In ancient times the letter I was used instead of the letter J, which did not then exist. Hence on the top of every cross you read this inscription I.N.R.I. which means Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judeorum (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews) The letter H in greek is E and not as in English. I.H.S. is a Jesuit monogram.

Bom Jesus Basilica

Bom Jesus Basilica

Bom Jesus Basilica

The Main Altar

This altar is set on the back wall of the Sanctuary and it dominates the whole church. In the middle of the altar, there stands a giant statue of St. Ignatius in priestly vestments, nearly three meters high. He is the founder of the Society of Jesus whose members are commonly known as Jesuits; but the Church is not dedicated to him but to Jesus.

The Main Altar

Above the monogram of Jesus, there sits the Holy Trinity in glory whom Ignatius contemplates through that medallion which is shown as a round Host.

The Mausoleum

To the right of the trascept i.e. to the North, there is the Mausoleum made by the Florentine sculptor (Italy), Giovanni Batista Foginni (1653-1737) - a magnificent gift of a Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosmas II (1670-1723). It was brought to Goa by two artists, one of them is Placido Francisco Ramponi who worked on it for nearly 25 days (14.10.1698 - 8.11.1698)

The Mausoleum

Bom Jesus Basilica

The Silver Casket

On this marble Mausoleum, is set the SIlver Casket, made through the initiative of Father Marcello Mastrill, an Italian Jesuit. The crystal Urn, containing the Relics of the Body of St. Francis Xavier, was placed in the SIlver Casket on 13th Feb 1955. This crystal Glass urn was made in the "Casa Brandizzi" (Rome) and was brought to Goa on 30th Jan 1955.

Here is a picture of the view when exiting one of the corridors of the church.