Xavier Basilica in Goa a fire hazard

(May 11, 2011) In India, Old Goa’s Bom Jesus Basilica, which houses the remains of Saint Francis Xavier, is at serious risk from fire because of years of neglect by authorities, a Church official has warned. The 17th century church is a potential “fire bomb” because of the of the negligent attitude of those responsible for maintaining it, the Basilica’s rector Father Savio Barretto said on Wednesday. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and India’s first minor basilica. It is considered the best example of baroque architecture in India. The Archeological Survey of India is supposed to look after the church’s maintenance. Fr. Barretto said electrical short circuits in the basilica have become a regular occurrence, but authorities have ignored repeated pleas to re-wire the building. “We have been reminding the authorities for the last five to six years to replace the wiring, but nothing has materialized so far,” he added. He also pointed out that some wires are exposed, as their insulation has worn out with age. “One cannot believe that a World Heritage site can be left in this state for years,” the priest said. A significant portion of the basilica is made of wood, he added. About 10,000 people visit the basilica daily.