Receiving the body of St. Francis Xavier in St. Paul’s Church in Goa

The body of the dead saint was removed from Sanchoan and carried by the Portuguese sailing ship Santa Cruz to Malacca in February 1553, where it received the first public homage. Afterwards the corpse was shipped to Goa to receive the homage of the local Christians gathered at the Church of St. Paul. The painting depicts a moving celebration whereby the main social classes venerate the apostle of India: at the centre, the viceroy followed by the nobles, the clergy in procession, and the simple faithful surrounding the coffin, showing great devotion.