From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network - Goa

Goa, Dec 9: Basilica of Bom Jesus housing sacred relics of St Fransic Xavier located at Old Goa, almost 9 kms away from Panaji attracts lakhs of tourists annually. The inflow multiplies during decadal exposition of the relics, which were held last year notwithstanding the great, but the Church is not just about the relics of the Patron Saint of Goa. Here are six more important lesser known facts about it as told to us by Fr Savio Barretto, rector of the Church.

Unique Piped Organ

Huge piped organ dating back to the 16th century once upon a time provided a musical background score during the daily masses here. The organ, which is currently located on the first floor just opposite the altar, has not been rendered useless. It needs repairs. Fr Savio Barretto says it has not been in use for the last 10-15 years. It is awaiting major repairs. There are only few such kinds of organs left across the country including one at Rachol Seminary and another at Mary Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji. This organ was manufactured by Hurry Brothers, Kolkatta.

Upkeep of the cascade housing relics of St Francis Xavier

It is not ordinary workers but a group of priests and volunteers that upkeep the cascade which has sacred relics of St Francis Xavier. They have been placed to the left side of the altar. Once in three-four months, they are dusted. All precautions are taken to make sure that the relics are not disturbed.

Relics of Jesuit Rudolf Aquaviva and companions

If you think that the Basilica has only relics of St Francis Xavier then you are wrong. The relics of Jesuit Rudolf Aquaviva and his companions Alphons Paceco, Antoni Francisci, Petrus Berni, Francisc Aranea who were martyred at Cuncolim in the year 1583 are preserved in one of the rooms in the Church. Fr Barretto says: Acquaviva was a great friend of emperor Akbar. A story says that Akbar was even convinced to convert to Christianity due to the influence of Aquaviva.

Golden Rose presented by Pope Pious XII

In the year 1953, Pope Pius XII gifted a Golden Rose plant to the Church. It was a symbolic way of thanking the Church in Goa for its work towards evangelisation. In India this is the only church which has this plant of Golden rose. The top rose has a veil that has pure musk in it. It symbolizes perfume of the gospel which is spread throughout the world.

Relics of Japanese Saints

The relics of Japanese saints Paul Miqui, Diogo Cisary, Joao Goto and companion is preserved in one of the rooms of the church. All these saints were crucified in Japan.

Silver Statue of St Francis Xavier

Silver statue of St Francis Xavier is witness to the fact of how the Basilica of centre of power was during Portuguese time. The new Portuguese governors used to take charge of the state standing next to this statue which was prepared in 1670 by Sr Maria Francisca Xaviera. Even till date, the governor in liberated Goa after the oath taking function makes a point to visit the Basilica.