The silver casket that contains the Sacred Relics of Francis Xavier is likely to be sent for restoration to Italy after the lockdown.
After Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, halted the move in 2018-19, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, is likely to move a proposal before the State government for the restoration of the casket through experts in Italy. The silver casket, dating back to 1637, has shown serious signs of distress.
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Basilica of Bom Jesus Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes said the casket, which might become irreparable if no action is taken at the earliest, will be sent to Italy for restoration. “Only the casket will be sent and not relics of St Francis Xavier,” he clarified.
He recalled that in 2018, the authorities had invited experts from Italy to examine the casket who had suggested that it be handed over to them for a year for complete restoration. “For five days they inspected the casket and recommended what has to be done,” Fernandes said, adding that ASI declined to send the casket to Italy and recommended that ASI’s Chemical Institute in Aurangabad undertake the work.
“But nothing has been done so far. ASI has their own restrictions. There is limitation of funds, no expertise and no monitoring. Under such a situation, we wanted the casket be sent to Italy, so that post restoration, it can last for another 400 years,” the rector explained.
Following the recent controversy over ASI negligence in maintaining the heritage structure, Fernandes said that local MLAs and MPs are backing the move to allow the casket to be shipped to Italy for restoration.
