The Basilica of Bom Jesus (Basilica of the Good Jesus), located in Old Goa, India, is one of the most significant and revered historical churches in Asia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds immense importance as the final resting place of St. Francis Xavier, the “Apostle of the Indies.”
Its history is a rich tapestry woven from Portuguese colonial ambition, Catholic missionary zeal, and extraordinary art and architecture.

Here’s a detailed history of Basilica of Bom Jesus:

1. The Historical Context: Portuguese Goa

To understand the Basilica’s history, one must first understand the background of Portuguese Goa.

• Portuguese Arrival: The Portuguese, under Afonso de Albuquerque, conquered Goa in 1510, establishing it as the capital of their Eastern Empire, known as the Estado da Índia.
• A Religious and Administrative Hub: Goa became the center of Portuguese colonial administration and Catholic missionary activity in Asia. Religious orders—particularly the Jesuits, Franciscans, and Dominicans—built grand churches and convents to glorify the Catholic faith and display the spiritual and political power of the Portuguese Empire.

2. The Construction of the Basilica (1594–1605)

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the oldest churches in Goa and an outstanding example of Jesuit Baroque architecture.

• Patronage and Architect: The construction was initiated by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and funded by the Portuguese Crown. The project was overseen by Dom João de Fonseca, with contributions from Italian artisans such as Julio Simone, who worked on the interior sculptures.
• Architectural Style: The Basilica represents Baroque architecture adapted to Indian conditions. Unlike many Goan churches that are plastered and whitewashed, this church retains its exposed laterite stone façade, which has matured into a warm reddish-brown hue. This was both an aesthetic and practical decision, suited to Goa’s tropical climate.
• Dedication: The church is dedicated to the “Bom Jesus” (Good or Infant Jesus), reflecting the Jesuit devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.
• Completion and Consecration: Construction began in 1594 and was completed in 1605. The church was consecrated the same year by Archbishop Dom Aleixo de Menezes. It later became the first minor basilica in India, recognized for its deep religious and historical importance.

3. The Arrival of St. Francis Xavier

The most defining chapter in the Basilica’s history revolves around St. Francis Xavier, whose sacred remains rest within its walls.

• Who Was St. Francis Xavier?: A co-founder of the Jesuit Order, St. Francis Xavier was a pioneering missionary who evangelized in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan. He died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island, China, while awaiting entry into mainland China.
• The Incorrupt Body: Initially buried on the Chinese island, his body was exhumed several months later and found to be miraculously incorrupt. The relics were transported to Malacca, and finally to Goa in 1554, where they were first placed in the Church of St. Paul.
• In 1624, the remains were transferred to the newly built Basilica of Bom Jesus, where they are still enshrined today.
• The Silver Casket: The Saint’s sacred relics were later placed in a magnificent silver casket, installed in 1698. This ornate mausoleum—crafted from jasmine-flower marble and bronze—was a gift from Cosimo III de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The casket’s intricate carvings depict scenes from the Saint’s life and miracles.

4. Architectural and Artistic Significance

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a masterpiece of Christian art and Indo-Portuguese craftsmanship.

• The Facade: The three-tiered laterite stone façade combines Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian pilasters. The Jesuit emblem “IHS” (short for “Iesus Hominum Salvator,” meaning “Jesus, Savior of Mankind”) is prominently engraved, symbolizing the Society of Jesus.
• The Interior: The interior follows the classic Jesuit plan—a single nave, a high main altar, and two side altars. The contrast between the plain exterior and the richly decorated interior is striking. The marble flooring, gilded altars, and intricate woodwork exemplify Portuguese artistic excellence.
• The Main Altar: The grand main altar, dedicated to the Infant Jesus (Bom Jesus), is a brilliant example of Baroque gilded woodwork (talha dourada). Above the altar, a statue of the Infant Jesus is displayed amid golden ornamentation and angelic motifs.
• The Art Gallery: Adjacent to the Basilica is an art gallery showcasing paintings that narrate the life and miracles of St. Francis Xavier. Among these are notable works by the Goan-born artist Dom Martin, whose modern interpretations preserve the legacy of Goan Christian art.

5. The Exposition of the Sacred Relics

The Exposition of St. Francis Xavier’s relics is among the most significant events in the Catholic world.

• The Tradition: Originally, the incorrupt body was displayed annually. However, to prevent deterioration—since parts of the relics were removed and distributed to various churches (his right arm was sent to Rome in 1614)—the Exposition now takes place once every ten years.
• The Grand Event: The last exposition occurred in 2014–2015, when the relics were lowered from the mausoleum and placed in a glass-sided casket for public veneration. This event attracts millions of pilgrims from across India and the world, symbolizing unity, devotion, and enduring faith.

6. Preservation and UNESCO Status

• Challenges: The Basilica’s exposed laterite stone makes it vulnerable to Goa’s heavy monsoon rains, leading to gradual erosion and biological growth over centuries.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1986, the Churches and Convents of Goa—including the Basilica of Bom Jesus—were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring global recognition and dedicated conservation efforts.
• Conservation Efforts: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) now oversees the Basilica’s preservation, with the help of international experts. Regular restoration projects are conducted to safeguard the structure, protect its artistic interiors, and maintain its sacred relics.

Conclusion:

The Basilica of Bom Jesus stands as an eternal monument of devotion, art, and history. From its Baroque architecture to the miraculous relics of St. Francis Xavier, it captures the essence of Goa’s colonial and spiritual legacy. The basilica is not just a church—it’s a living museum of faith and heritage, connecting past and present through centuries of divine grace and cultural brilliance.