St Francis Xavier’s tomb gets a facelift

The ASI noted that several factors like capillary action, rains, humidity and salinity are causing a chemical reaction which is decaying the laterite stone. It has now decided to apply fresh lime plaster to the walls of the basilica or alternatively treat it with chemicals toprevent decay.

A status paper prepared by the ASI noted that the foundation of the basilica was laid on the ground-level without any raised plinth, which resulted in dampness seeping through. Similarly, the fixing of canvas paintings and wooden carvings directly on the wall without any gap for breathing has spoilt the fixtures. The national highway 4A, which passes through the church complex, has added pollution to the list of dangers to the structure.

Built in 1605, the basilica conforms to the cruciform plan. Its three-storey facade which faces west, shows Ionic, Doric and Corinthian orders. While the facade is an example of the Classical orders of the Renaissance, the altars are Baroque in style.

The mausoleum housing the relics of St Francis Xavier, who was responsible for the spread of Christianity in Goa, was gifted by then Duke of Tuscany, Cosmos-III. It took a famous sculptor from Italy, Giovanni Batista Foggini, 10 years to complete sculpting the tomb. It was reassembled at the basilica in1698.

The mausoleum’s three-tier pedestal is built from rich Carrara and Tuscany marble. Supplied by the Opificio Delle Pietre-Dure, the stone came from the same quarry which supplied marble to well-known painter and sculptor Michaelangelo. Marble for the current phase of restoration has also been sourced from the same quarry.

Thanks to sponsorships from corporates like Sesa Goa and the Mafatlals, at least the mausoleum is getting a refit. A team of restorers from the venerable Opificio Della Pietre-Dure is replacing the broken inlay work on the mausoleum. “We shall age the new marble with chemicals so that it is of the same colour as the original sculpture,” says Bethina Lucherini, one of the restorers. The ASI itself now plans to undertake major maintenance work on the basilica. This includes reinforcing its walls and retiling its quadrangle.