Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa perhaps most famous and among the most venerated by Christians worldwide church, partly in ruins, but still a model of simplicity and elegance, and a good example of Jesuit architecture.
There is a only church in Old Goa, which is not reflected in the exterior, the lime plaster have been removed by a conservationist zeal of Portugal in 1950.
Situated in Old Goa 10kms east of Panaji, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage monument site.
The foundation stone of this remarkable large church was laid on November 24, 1594 and the church was consecrated by Father Alexia de Menezes, Archbishop of Goa and Primate of India enshrined when it was completed on 15 May 1605. In 1946 was elevated to the rank of minor basilica.
The Jesuit Order was abolished in 1759 and its property confiscated by the Portuguese State. The church was nevertheless allowed him to continue services.
This magnificent building stands as a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is called "Bom Jesus" which means that whoever is dedicated 'baby Jesus' good Jesus' o. The facade has in it, on top, letters, "their", which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek.
The imposing façade built in black granite in an exquisite combination of Doric, Corinthian and composite styles, is incredible for its simplicity. It measures 183 meters long, 55 feet in breath, and 61 feet high. The altar is 54 feet high and 30 feet wide. The pillars and the details are carved in basalt was brought from Bassein, about 300 kms away. The interior of the church is built in Corinthian style mosaic and is known for its charming simplicity.
This magnificent building stands as a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is called "Bom Jesus" which means that whoever is dedicated 'baby Jesus' good Jesus' o. The facade has in it, on top, letters, "their", which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek.
The imposing façade built in black granite in an exquisite combination of Doric, Corinthian and composite styles, is incredible for its simplicity. It measures 183 meters long, 55 feet in breath, and 61 feet high. The altar is 54 feet high and 30 feet wide. The pillars and the details are carved in basalt was brought from Bassein, about 300 kms away. The interior of the church is built in Corinthian style mosaic and is known for its charming simplicity.
The roof was tiled at first. The church is cruciform in plan. Flying buttresses on the north side of the church are recent additions. A one-story structure adjacent to the church in its south wing connects to the Professed House.
The three-story facade of the Church Ionic shows, Doric and Corinthian orders, and has a main entrance flanked by two smaller ones, each with Corinthian columns supporting a pediment. There are two chapels, a high altar and sacristy, and a choir within the Church itself. There is a bell tower in the back.
When you enter, under the choir, to the right is an altar of San Antonio and the left is a wooden statue carved exceedingly well San Francisco Javier. In the center of the nave on the north wall is the cenotaph of the benefactor of this church, Don Jeronimo Mascarenhas, Captain of Cochin died in 1593 bequeathing the resources that this church was built. The two columns supporting the choir slabs bear enrolled in Portuguese and Latin start dates of construction and consecration.
Facing the cenotaph, projecting on the south wall is a richly carved wooden pulpit with a canopy on top. The pulpit has on three sides the figures of Jesus, the 4 evangelists and 4 doctors of the Church. The bottom of the pulpit represents seven digits as if they support.
A gallery of project, which was designed for the use of the dignitaries on solemn occasions, runs along the two longer sides of the Church.
The altar at the end of the nave is flanked by two altars decorated on the cruise, one dedicated to Our Lady of Hope and the other to San Miguel. The high altar is richly gilded figure of baby Jesus and above it is a large figurine of St. Ignatius of Loyola founder of the Jesuit order, looking earnestly in a medallion on which is inscribed "SU". Above the medal, the Holy Trinity - Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are described. In the cruise on the north side is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
On the south side of the cruise is a chapel with golden spiral columns and floral ornaments made of wood, where the sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier are kept. The inner of the chapel is richly decorated with carvings and paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Saint.
The three-story facade of the Church Ionic shows, Doric and Corinthian orders, and has a main entrance flanked by two smaller ones, each with Corinthian columns supporting a pediment. There are two chapels, a high altar and sacristy, and a choir within the Church itself. There is a bell tower in the back.
When you enter, under the choir, to the right is an altar of San Antonio and the left is a wooden statue carved exceedingly well San Francisco Javier. In the center of the nave on the north wall is the cenotaph of the benefactor of this church, Don Jeronimo Mascarenhas, Captain of Cochin died in 1593 bequeathing the resources that this church was built. The two columns supporting the choir slabs bear enrolled in Portuguese and Latin start dates of construction and consecration.
Facing the cenotaph, projecting on the south wall is a richly carved wooden pulpit with a canopy on top. The pulpit has on three sides the figures of Jesus, the 4 evangelists and 4 doctors of the Church. The bottom of the pulpit represents seven digits as if they support.
A gallery of project, which was designed for the use of the dignitaries on solemn occasions, runs along the two longer sides of the Church.
The altar at the end of the nave is flanked by two altars decorated on the cruise, one dedicated to Our Lady of Hope and the other to San Miguel. The high altar is richly gilded figure of baby Jesus and above it is a large figurine of St. Ignatius of Loyola founder of the Jesuit order, looking earnestly in a medallion on which is inscribed "SU". Above the medal, the Holy Trinity - Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are described. In the cruise on the north side is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
On the south side of the cruise is a chapel with golden spiral columns and floral ornaments made of wood, where the sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier are kept. The inner of the chapel is richly decorated with carvings and paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Saint.
A beautiful silver statue is kept in front of the coffin. The silver casket, which serves as a reliquary containing the sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier, is beautifully carved, and once was studded with precious stones. The coffin is divided on each side into seven panels, each of which has two relief plates depicting important events in the life of the saint.
Next to the Chapel of San Francisco Javier is a hallway leading to the sacristy, entered by an exquisitely carved wooden door. It is an oblong structure with a domed apse in the end. Along the walls portraits of several previous saints delicately carved chest of drawers are kept. On the altar in the apse in an iron box containing a golden rose blessed by Pope Pius XII and gifted to the city in 1953. At the foot of the altar is the tomb of the founder of the sacristy, Balthazar da Veiga who died in 1659. a painting that gives a clear idea about the state of the body of St. Xavier a hundred years ago is displayed near the altar.
Inside the basilica design is simple but great. A simple wood has replaced the original vaulted ceiling. To the left of the door upon entering the basilica is a statue of San Francisco Javier, but the visitors' attention to the enormous and ornate gilded altarpieces that extends from floor to ceiling, behind the altar noted.
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