Relics Of St. Francis Xavier — Attraction in Goa Island

Certainly! Here's a detailed review of the Relics of St. Francis Xavier:

The Relics of St. Francis Xavier hold immense historical and religious significance. St. Francis Xavier, a Spanish Jesuit missionary, was one of the most influential figures during the Age of Exploration. His relics are preserved in various locations around the world, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

Background: St. Francis Xavier was born in 1506 and dedicated his life to spreading Christianity. He traveled extensively, reaching India, Japan, and other parts of Asia. His missionary work left a lasting impact, and he is considered the Apostle of the Indies.

The Relics: The relics of St. Francis Xavier consist of his body parts, including his right forearm. The forearm, known as the "Miraculous Hand," is displayed in a silver reliquary. The relics are housed in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, India. The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage center.

Visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus: The basilica is an architectural marvel, built in 1594. Its baroque facade and intricate interiors are awe-inspiring. Visitors can see the relics in a glass case within the basilica. The atmosphere is serene, and many people offer prayers and light candles.

Spiritual Significance: St. Francis Xavier is revered as a saint and a miracle worker. Pilgrims believe that touching or praying near the relics brings blessings and healing. The annual feast of St. Francis Xavier on December 3rd draws thousands of devotees.

Historical Context: The relics were brought to Goa in 1554 after St. Francis Xavier's death in Sancian Island (off the coast of China). The preservation of his body parts was a common practice during that era. The relics symbolize the enduring faith and devotion of believers.

Other Locations: Apart from Goa, St. Francis Xavier's relics are also venerated in Malacca, Malaysia, and Macau. The St. Paul's Hill Complex in Malacca houses a relic of his left arm. In Macau, the St. Joseph's Seminary and Church displays another relic.

The Relics of St. Francis Xavier serve as a bridge between the past and the present. They remind us of the sacrifices made by missionaries and the enduring faith of believers. Whether you're a devout Christian or a curious traveler, visiting these relics offers a glimpse into a remarkable...

Review of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Location: The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Old Goa, about 10 km from Panjim. It stands as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India and is a major pilgrimage site for Christians.

History & Significance Built in 1605, it is one of the oldest churches in Goa. Houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, whose well-preserved body is displayed in a silver casket every 10 years (last exposition was in 2014, next in 2024-25). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 as part of the Churches and Convents of Goa.

Architecture & Interior ✔ Baroque-style facade with intricate carvings and a grand altar. ✔ The mausoleum of St. Francis Xavier is a masterpiece of Florentine art, adorned with marble and precious stones. ✔ The main altar is dedicated to Infant Jesus (Bom Jesus) and features gilded woodwork. ✔ The art gallery inside displays paintings and artifacts depicting Goa’s Christian history.

Visitor Experience ✔ Spiritual & Peaceful – A must-visit for history and architecture lovers. ✔ Photography allowed (without flash near relics). ✔ Mass timings – Regular services in Konkani, English & Portuguese. ✔ Guided tours available for deeper insights.

Pros & Cons ✅ Rich history & religious importance ✅ Stunning architecture & art ✅ Well-maintained & serene atmosphere ❌ Can get crowded during peak tourist season & feast days ❌ Limited seating inside

Nearby Attractions Sé Cathedral (largest church in Goa) Church of St. Cajetan (resembles St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome) Archaeological Museum (displays Portuguese-era artifacts)

Best Time to Visit Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. December 3rd (Feast of St. Francis Xavier) – Grand celebrations but very crowded.

Verdict: A must-visit for history buffs, architecture lovers, and spiritual seekers. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is not just a church but a living museum of Goa’s colonial past.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – **A timeless...

I would give the church a 5 star rating, but the staff and people handling the church I would give them no rating at all. Very rude and horrendous behaviour. I couldn't believe what I was experiencing. Me being a catholic myself, was ashamed of the behaviour of the staff at church. In fact I was accompanied by two of my office colleagues. And we were visiting from Pune and everyone had heard very highly of this church, so we decided to visit this. But to my disappointment, despite showing up on Google that the church closes at 6 PM, the church was shut before 5 PM. And it was raining heavily. When asked one of the staff members, what time does the church close. He had no answer to give. But justified by saying, come in the morning, church opens very early on the morning. So I politely asked him twice, so what time do you close, and he said there is no fixed time. We close when we want. So I told him, that Google has wrong information updated then. But he continued to be rude.

Also, the experience of the book store lady , was very disappointing. She was closing and so was unhappy to make any sale. I just wanted to buy rosaries and she was also very rude and harsh. But I needed my rosary so I got it and left.

But overall a very...