St Xavier’s feast: The legacy, the basilica, the miracle

As the annual novena and feast of St Francis Xavier approach, thousands of devotees are expected to converge on Old Goa — especially the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The more than 400-year-old structure — older than the Taj Mahal — holds the relics of St Francis Xavier, one of the most venerated figures in the Catholic Church.

In the run-up to the feast day, The Voice speaks to Fr Patricio Fernandes, Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus. He shares a wealth of fascinating information about the basilica and the life of St Francis.

A DESIGN, BEYOND BEAUTY

Fr Patricio begins by explaining the difference between a basilica and a church. He adds that the basilica showcases Baroque-style architecture and notes that it is designed keeping scientific principles in mind. This church is symmetrical and acoustically efficient, with features such as a pulpit constructed to project the speaker’s voice without the need for a mic.

He further explains the Baroque style with reference to the statues of St Ignatius and Menino Jesus that can be seen inside the church, while also speaking about why the basilica received UNESCO status.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is Goa’s only brown church. Fr Patricio discusses the reason behind this, as well as the basalt stones that were specially brought all the way from Bombay (now Mumbai).

MAKING OF A SAINT

Recalling the life of St Francis and his brief stay in Goa, Fr Fernandes notes that although the saint was meant to travel with companions to Goa, he ultimately made the journey alone. His ministry in Goa and South India is associated with numerous healings, many of which were documented.

After his death, Francis’ body reportedly resisted decomposition, even when lime was applied or it was buried directly in the earth — a fact that astonished those who witnessed the exhumations. Even today, the skin on his relics does not fall off, but remains attached to the bones, almost as if he were a living person.

A well located a short distance from the basilica, where St Francis spent some time during his stay in Goa, is a popular spot for visitors, with many reporting healings after drinking its water.

So how did Francis go from priest to saint? What miracles were witnessed during his life and after his death? What was the miracle experienced by a dying, young Italian priest? Why is St Francis commonly called Goencho Saib?

Watch the video to find out all this and more.