St. Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506 and is popularly
called as Goemcho Saib (literally The Boss of Goa).
St. Francis Xavier arrived in Goa in May 1542 after sailing
from Lisbon in April 1541.
The body of St.Francis Xavier arrived in Goa on March 16,
1554. Initially the body was exposed to the faithful on the anniversary of his
death.
The relics of St.Francis Xavier are placed into a silver
casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.
The first public exposition was
held in February 1782. The last exposition was held from November 21, 2004 to
January 2, 2005. The present exposition is the seventeenth exposition which has
commenced from November 22, 2014 and will conclude on January 4, 2015.
Millions of visitors are expected from all over the world
and to this effect the authorities have made proper arrangements for public
venerations.
How to get to the
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa
All of the vehicles are parked at
the Ella farms in Old Goa. Private tour operators, taxis can take you there.
After reaching Ella farms there is a free shuttle service provided by the
Govt.of Goa, Kadamba Bus Service. The journey from Ella farm to the final destination
is approximately 10 to 15 min. The same Kadamba bus service will give you a
free ride back to the Ella farms parking area.
