Basilica of Bom Jesus

St. Francis Xavier, the great Jesuit missionary, arrives in Goa and begins his apostolic work across Asia. He preaches to thousands and baptizes an estimated 30,000 people.

St. Francis Xavier dies on the island of Sancian near China on December 3rd. His body is miraculously found incorrupt and is later brought to Goa.

The Jesuits begin construction of the Basilica of Bom Jesus under the patronage of the Viceroy of Goa, Dom Francisco da Gama.

Construction of the Basilica is completed and the church is consecrated on May 15, 1605. The architecture represents one of the finest examples of baroque style in India.

St. Francis Xavier is canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622 together with St. Ignatius of Loyola and other saints.

The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are permanently enshrined in the richly decorated baroque mausoleum gifted by the Last Duke of Tuscany.

Pope Pius XII elevates the Church of Bom Jesus to the status of Minor Basilica, recognizing its universal significance to the Catholic Church.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, along with the Churches and Convents of Goa, is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, affirming its outstanding universal value.

Comprehensive restoration and conservation work is undertaken to preserve the baroque facade, interior frescoes, and the sacred reliquary of St. Francis Xavier.

The 10-yearly Exposition of the Relics of St. Francis Xavier draws over 2 million pilgrims from across the globe to venerate the incorrupt body of the saint.