Basilica of Bom Jesus

Description
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a monument typical of the classic forms of plane architecture, introduced by the Society of Jesus, otherwise known as the Jesuits. The façade, which is of granite, represents features of five styles of architecture: Roman, Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and Composite. It is a large single Nave structure built (1595-1605) and paid for with legacies left by Dom Jeronimo Mascarenhas, a wealthy Portuguese Captain of Cochin.
Timing
Timings

  • Masses are held regularly at the Bom Jesus Basilica, the timings are as follows
  • Sunday – 8.00am, 9.15am and 6.00pm in Konkani, 10.15am in English
  • Mon to Sat – 7.00am, 8.00am and 6.00pm
  • Mass is also held at the chapel of St. Francis Xavier on the 6th of every month at 10.00am. Holy hour is held on the first Friday of every month at 5.00pm followed by Mass.
  • If you do not want to hear Mass, the Basilica is open to the public for viewing and exploration at the following times,
  • Mon to Sat – 9.00am to 6.30pm
  • Sunday – 10.30am to 6.30pm
Must View
  • Quadrangular pediment at the top of the un-plastered façade
  • Carved columns both inside and outside
  • Statue of St. Francis Xavier
  • Main altar with carvings and gilding
  • Gilded reredos with the statues of St. Ignatius and the Infant Jesus

    The reredos has within it a large statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola protecting the Infant Jesus. His eyes are raised to a carved disc, once more bearing the Jesuit emblem of “IHS”. Above this medallion is a depiction of the Holy Trinity, i.e. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

  • Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament
  • Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
    On the southern side of the transept lies the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier. This chapel has carved and gilded columns and wood-carved floral decorations. This is where the relics of the saint are kept. There is a gorgeous silver statue placed in front of the silver casket where the body of St. Francis Xavier reposes
  • Sacristy – chest containing the Golden Rose
  • Painting of the relics of the saint
  • Paintings of the saints
  • Modern art gallery paintings, especially “The Last Judgement” and “Genesis”

    The Basilica also contains a modern art gallery with paintings depicting various Biblical scenes. The gallery can be accessed using the stairs near the sacristy. It is one of the largest of its kind in Asia. It contains 36 paintings executed between the years 1973 and 1976. The artist was paid only for the materials used as his talent was given gratis, for the greater glory of God.

History, Construction and Architecture

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a monument typical of the classic forms of plane architecture, introduced by the Society of Jesus, otherwise known as the Jesuits. The façade, which is of granite, represents features of five styles of architecture: Roman, Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and Composite. It is a large single Nave structure built ( 1595-1605) and paid for with legacies left by Dom Jeronimo Mascarenhas, a wealthy Portuguese Captain of Cochin.It is the only monument with a façade not covered with plaster. The plaster was stripped off in 1970 by an over-zealous Portuguese conservationist who believed that this would help preserve the carvings on the façade better. Unfortunately, even though this was soon seen to be a false assumption, no one has put the plaster back.

The foundation stone for this church was laid on the 24th of November, 1594. Archbishop Rev. Fr. Aleixo de Menezes consecrated the church, on its completion on the 15th of May 1605. However, it was only raised to the status of “minor Basilica” in 1946.The three-storied structure stands 75ft wide and 78½ft tall. The façade of the church, though un-plastered, is a magnificent example of baroque architecture. It combines elements of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian design, and is divided into four parts.The lowest section has three doors set into it, a large one in the middle with two smaller ones flanking it. The second section has three square windows whose positioning corresponds to that of the doors. The third section has three circular windows whilst the last section forms a quadrangle, lavishly decorated with arabesque. This quadrangular pediment also has “IHS” carved into it. This is the Jesuit emblem and stands for “Iesus Hominum Salvator”, which is Latin for, “Jesus, Saviour of Men”. All the sections have carved basalt pillars. The basalt was mined from Bassein in the North of Goa.

Interior and Artwork

The church's interior blends simplicity with opulence. The marble floor, inlaid with precious stones, contrasts with the intricately carved and gilded altar. The retable features statues of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Bom Jesus (Child Jesus). The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, with its carved columns, holds the saint’s relics in a silver casket.

The Basilica, measuring 83ft by 51ft and 61ft high, follows a cruciform design with a wooden ceiling. The main altar is 54ft by 30ft, showcasing Renaissance simplicity and fine materials. Two chapels, three altars, a sacristy, and a choir loft complete the interior.

The northern transept features the cenotaph of Dom Jeronimo Mascarenhas, while two altars dedicated to St. Michael and Our Lady of Good Hope decorate the transept. The baroque reredos behind the main altar includes a statue of St. Ignatius with the Infant Jesus and the Holy Trinity above.


The sacristy, with a wooden vault, houses the Golden Rose gift from Pope Pius XII and paintings of saints.