A chapel once stood within the grounds of the Collegio de S. Paulo, where St. Francis Xavier is believed to have celebrated Mass. To the left of the chapel was a well, said to be the place where the Saint washed his feet. Tradition holds that this was the site where Xavier engaged in fervent prayer, feeling overwhelmed to the point of suffocation. At this moment, he reportedly opened his cassock near his chest and exclaimed, “Satis est Domine, satis” (it is enough, Lord, enough), as he was consoled by celestial visions. It is said that this chapel was built to commemorate the event, where the Saint spent many nights in prayer.
Father Lancelot Xavier states that the Saint himself requested the construction of the chapel, where he celebrated Mass. However, others argue it was built in his honour, posthumously. According to Francisco de Souza, author of Oriente Conquistado, two chapels were within the college grounds, dedicated to St Antonio and St Jeronimo, with the current chapel likely being one of them. The chapel was repaired in 1859 and again in 1884, with the walls adorned with numerous paintings illustrating the Saint’s life. By the end of the 17th century, it remained in good condition. However, as the city became deserted, the structure began to deteriorate. In 1627, parts of the sanctuary, including a small portico, seating, the facade, the choir loft, and a roofless nave, were still standing.
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Tradition also holds that St Francis Xavier planted several trees on the College grounds, including a jackfruit tree near the chapel, whose bark was believed to have medicinal properties. A traveller in 1595 reported seeing two jackfruit trees and two mango trees in the garden, all attributed to the Saint. The tree beside the chapel became highly valued by Goa’s Catholics, with fragments and sculptures made from its wood held in profound reverence. The Church of Santa Rita in Maina, Curtorim, houses a crucifix with the inscription: “He Formada esta Cruz do lenho da jaqueira, que piantou 0 Glorioso S. Francisco Xavier Apostolo da India, junto da sua Capela no Colegio Velho do S. Paulo de Goa. Ano 1805.” , which translates to “This cross was made from the wood of the jackfruit tree that was planted by the Glorious St. Francis Xavier, Apostle of India, near his chapel at the Old College of St. Paul in Goa. Year 1805.”
This crucifix, originally from the Convent of St Francisco de Assisi, was moved to the Chapel of Maina shortly after the expulsion of religious orders from Goa in 1835.
