Goan Churches
With a significant Christian population, the churches are important in Goa's religious, cultural and social fabric. Most of the churches during the Portuguese rule were built in Old Goa and today Old Goa along with its churches is a world heritage site.
One of the major tourist attractions in Goa are Churches. Goan churches are famous for their interesting architecture, which is usually a blend of two or more forms. These institutions of religion played a major role in inclining people initially towards Christianity. The churches are important in Goa's religious, cultural and social fabric due to a significant Christian population.
Old Goa:
This ancient historical former capital of Goa is located about 9 km east of Panaji. Old Goa is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famed for its opulent buildings and churches reminiscent of the glory days of "Golden Goa". It was abandoned by the Portuguese officially in 1843 when the capital was moved to Panjim or Panaji. Most of the churches during the Portuguese rule were built in Old Goa. The churches built during the Portuguese rule were different. However, over a period of time a significant change has come over in the architecture of the churches. Each of the churches had some uniqueness to it yet certain commonness marked them all, like the baroque style architecture or the ornate altars.
Today, most of the remaining buildings and churches are maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and the church services are maintained by the Archdiocese of Goa.
The Old Goa is having beautiful churches. We visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral Goa & Church of St. Francis of Assisi Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus:
Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in Old Goa. It is a holy site for all Goans particularly Goan Christians because it is the site where the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier or "Goencho Sahib" are preserved for posterity. This is the most revered and famous of all the churches in Old Goa. This World Heritage Monument was constructed in 1695 and is a milestone in the history of Christianity. The name Bom Jesus basically means "good Jesus" or "infant Jesus". The Bom Jesus Church contains the body of St. Francis Xavier, a member of the Society of Jesus, who came to India with the Portuguese to spread Christianity in India. He is often credited for baptizing various people in Goa and he also preached the teachings of Jesus. He took various voyages to Malaga (Malaysia), China to preach. While on a sea voyage to China, St. Francis Xavier died, on December 2, 1552.
The body was initially buried in Malaga. The following year, while relocating Francis Xavier's remains to Goa, in agreement with his wishes, it is said that the body was as fresh as the day it was buried. The news reached the Vatican where the title of Saint was bestowed upon the priest. The remnant attracts a huge number of devotees and believers from all over the world, especially during the "Exposition" public viewing of his body every ten years on the 2nd of December, which is the death-anniversary of Saint. The last such event was in the year 2004. The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing, and pilgrims come from all over the country. The body of the saint has been kept in a beautiful silver casket.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the richest churches in Goa. It is carpeted with marble flooring and inlaid with valuable and rare gems and stones. The interior of the Church has highly structured gilded altars. The Church also has kept paintings of St. Francis Xavier. The Tomb of St. Francis Xavier was the gift from the Grand Duke of Tuscan. In 1946 it became the first church in India to be elevated to the status of a minor basilica.
Se Cathedral Goa & Church of St. Francis of Assisi Goa
These are also located in Old Goa, next to each other. The Se Cathedral Church is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexa