Basilica of Bom Jesus
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Upcoming at Basilica of Bom Jesus
About Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa holds the body of St Francis Xavier, the Jesuit missionary whom Goans call Goencho Saib. Work on the church began in 1594 and it was consecrated in May 1605; it is part of the Churches and Convents of Goa World Heritage Site. The saint's feast on 3 December is Goa's biggest religious gathering, preceded by a nine-day novena with masses through the day and a fair along the approach roads. In 2026 the feast falls on a Thursday and is a public holiday in Goa. The body is brought down for public veneration roughly once every ten years, most recently from November 2024 to January 2025.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Feast of St Francis Xavier in 2026?
On Thursday 3 December 2026. It is a public holiday in Goa, and the novena fills the nine days before it.
When is the next exposition of St Francis Xavier's relics?
Expositions are held about once a decade. The last one ran from November 2024 to January 2025, so the next is expected around 2034.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry to the basilica is free.
How do I get to Old Goa from Panaji?
Buses leave the Panaji Kadamba bus stand every few minutes and take about 25 minutes for the 10 km trip.
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