The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Site located in Old Goa, India. It is an important Catholic place of pilgrimage and one of the most visited churches in India. The church is known for the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier, who was a Spanish missionary and one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus. The original church was erected in 1594 but was later replaced by a larger one in 1605. The unique and ornate façade of the church is a blend of the Late Baroque and Gothic styles of architecture, while the interior is Baroque. The ceiling is decorated with paintings of saints and apostles and the walls have devotional murals depicting scenes from the Bible.
The highlight of the Basilica of Bom Jesus is the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, which is located in the middle of the church. He was the first person to be canonized by Pope Paul V and is venerated as a saint. Beside his tomb lies the mummified body, which has been preserved since 1553, almost three centuries. Devotees believe that touching the body brings blessings and cures from ailments. The physical features and clothes of the corpse have remained unchanged over the centuries, earning it the title of ‘miracle mummy’.
Every year, the Basilica of Bom Jesus celebrates its feast day on the 3rd of December. Devotees from all over the world flock to the church, offering prayers and witnessing the solemn mass service, processions and other cultural activities. The place also houses a museum, which displays valuable artifacts related to Christianity.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus, located in Old Goa, is an important Catholic pilgrimage destination and an important embodiment of the harmonious blend of different architectural styles. The tomb of St. Francis Xavier and the display of relics and
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