David AguiarIn the heart of Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus feels like it’s alive with spiritual energy. This place isn’t just a stunning example of Baroque architecture—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the resting place of Goa’s beloved St. Francis Xavier. It’s more than a church; it’s a piece of history you can feel. His life, teachings and missions have been of such impact on the Goan faithful and many more around the world that it is no surprise that God desired that his resting place should be in Goa forever.
The Saint Who Found a Home in Goa
St. Francis Xavier, born in 1506 in Navarre, Spain, was privileged, ambitious, and academic. His life changed when St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, met him. St. Ignatius’ profound remarks brought humility and divine purpose to young Francis, when he said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Francis abandoned worldly pleasures to join the Jesuits, inspired by this new calling. His expedition brought him to Goa in 1542. It is certain that Francis Xavier found a spiritual affinity stronger than cultural and linguistic obstacles in warm-hearted Goans.
Even in death, Saint Francis Xavier’s body & soul found its home with the Goans, who had unconditionally accepted him not only as a saint, but as one of their own. The unbroken bond he shares with this land is attested to by the pilgrims who come in reverence before his incorrupt body, preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa.
The Legacy of Saints and Imitators of Christ
In Christianity saints are venerated as exemplars of faith, perseverance, and love. Rather, they are celebrated for Christ-like imitation, not for perfection. The teachings of Jesus, though brief in his earthly ministry, yet mystically wise, illuminate hearts, and Saint Francis Xavier reflected those teachings.
Saints such as St. Francis Xavier, are interpreters of Christ’s deep but practical message to Christians. These are the figures that show we can live life’s complexities with grace and humility and never wavering faith. Goans celebrate the life of St. Francis much as they celebrate the larger ethos of Christian spirituality — life of service, love and transformation.
The Jesuit Mission: Education and Beyond
The ‘Soldiers of Christ,’ the Jesuits, not only went on missions to preach the gospel but they also gave attention to meeting the practical need of the communities. For St. Francis Xavier, the mission was not about preaching but about lifting people’s lives.
This vision took root in the establishment of educational institutions in Goa which became luminaries of knowledge as well education and moral guidance. One of the many roles of St. Francis Xavier in the Jesuit mission was to lay the foundation for schools and colleges to inculcate values of discipline, integrity, and compassion. His belief in education as a device for the empowerment of individuals and societies is carried by institutions like St. Xavier’s College in Goa.
The Touch of St. Francis Xavier in Every Goan Life
St. Francis Xavier’s influence is woven into the fabric of Goan identity. His feast day, December 3rd, is not only a religious day, but a cultural phenomenon. The grand processions, the soulful hymns, the heartfelt prayers, all speak to the gratitude of people across faiths whose lives have been made richer by his presence.
Beyond the Basilica’s walls, his teachings resonate in the way Goans live—with a spirit of inclusivity, resilience, and a deep connection to faith. Fishermen invoke his blessings before venturing into the sea, teachers uphold his educational ideals, and families find solace in his intercession during times of need. His life exemplifies the idea that faith is not confined to rituals but is a dynamic force that transforms every aspect of existence.
12 Days Of Christmas
This Christmas, let’s make some memories with Soul Traveling’s 12 Days of Christmas! Each day, we’ll take you on a new adventure, celebrating Goa’s rich culture, traditions, and stories. It’s all about spreading joy, having fun, and creating magical moments together.
Taking Goa to the World
St. Francis Xavier’s Goa mission had far-reaching effects. His efforts gave Goans purpose and identity, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully wherever they went, especially when they left home for employment across India or overseas. Goans are descendants of a saint who believed in service, humility, and faith. Their enthusiasm has made them ambassadors of their birthplace and the universal values of love, generosity, and resilience.
Replenishing Lives Through Faith
The life of St. Francis Xavier is a stand-in of how faith has the ability to transform you. His story reminds us to live true greatness by living selflessly for the greater good of others, and being a light to those hidden in the darkness of the world.
For Goans, the Bom Jesus Basilica is not just a monument, it is a living witness to a saint and his people’s enduring love for each other. The life of this noble man found our greatest joy in serving others is an inspiration to come together to visit the Basilica every time, to reflect, to seek guidance and to draw inspiration.
A Call to Be Inspired
The profound teachings of St. Francis Xavier guide us to walk the righteous path of life. A powerful narrative of transformation; a journey from privilege to piety, from ambition to altruism; his story challenges us to turn the page from ‘what I want’ to ‘what can I give.’
The Saint Francis Xavier Exposition: A Time of Blessings
As the much-revered Exposition of St. Francis Xavier unfolds every 10 years, each time the feeling is the same—as though the beloved saint has stepped out of the sanctuary of the Bom Jesus to embrace his faithful devotees with grace and blessings. This sacred event is a poignant reminder of his enduring presence among us, a symbol of his love and commitment to the people of Goa and beyond. While the exposition offers a unique opportunity to connect with his legacy, it also serves as a time for reflection, prayer, and gratitude.
Though the Exposition 2024-25 will conclude, and his relics will return to their resting place, the spirit of St. Francis Xavier remains eternal. The Basilica of Bom Jesus—affectionately known as St. Francis Xavier’s Church —will always be his home, a haven where pilgrims can seek solace and inspiration. Let us make the most of this extraordinary time, cherishing the saint’s blessings until his relics return, secure in the knowledge that his presence graces Goa forever.
St. Francis Xavier lives on in every hymn sung in the Basilica, in every lesson taught in a Jesuit school, every Goan heart that has been touched by his legacy. Our story is his, a story of faith, courage and an unbreakable bond with the divine. Basilica of Bom Jesus is not just a resting place for a saint; it is a home, a sanctuary, and a beacon of hope for generations to come.
