This is the mother of all churches in Goa, possibly in the whole of India. It's a minor 'basilica' - the four major ones are all in Rome, while the rare minor ones are scattered all over the world. Bestowed special privileges by the Pope, they are more special than cathedrals and churches. Because of this Basilica of Bom Jesus ("Good Jesus" or "Infant Jesus"), Old Goa is sometimes described as "Rome of the East". Pretty impressive structure and even more so when we were there that late afternoon.
The Basilica's claim to fame is its occupant - the body of the legendary St Francis Xavier (born 1506, died 1552 at the age of 46). Not a tolerant man, he was the first to suggest the setting up of the Goan Inquisition, to deal with the heretics - the Muslims, the Jews and the Hindus, especially. He is credited with the conversion of millions of people into Catholicism in India and the Far East, and is said to have performed more miracles than any other saint in history. In short, this is one heavyweight saint!
The saint's mortal remains are now in an airtight glass coffin inside the basilica, and every 10 years the body is brought out to be 'exposed' to the visitors. Next show is 3rd Dec, 2004. Better book your trips, pilgrims! :-)
