BY ARTI DAS | NT NETWORK
The Museum of Christian Art, one of the best kept museums of Goa, is the finest example of Indo-Portuguese art and history. ‘The Navhind Times’ explores the museum and chapel that is now getting a new lease of life

We may be of the common perception that museums are places that interest only historians, artists and history enthusiasts. Actually, these treasure troves of heritage speak volumes about our past and one such is the Museum of Christian Art at Old Goa, a place soaked in heritage. Stocked with 170-odd artefacts it is one of the best kept museums of Goa.
The interesting part of this museum is that it is a collection of exclusive Indo-Portuguese Art where one can witness the confluence of these two cultures through the artefacts on display.
“When the Portuguese came down to Goa they started building churches. This is when they realised that they need more statues and sculptures for their churches. They employed Indian artists to comply with the demand and thus started a new art form,” informs vice-president, Museum of Christian Art, Mr Nasci de Souza.
He added that this museum is recognised the world over and some of its artefacts are now being exhibited at the Centre for Fine Arts (Bozar), Brussels, Belgium for the art exhibition at the “Passage to Asia” summit.
“Out of 600 museums in India only four museums were selected for this exhibition the Museum of Christian Art is one of those selected. The other museums are the Prince of Whales, Mumbai, National Museum, Delhi and Indian Museum, Kolkata. This is not the first time artefacts from the museum are going to go to an international exhibition. Around three years ago five artefacts were sent to Japan from India for the centenary celebrations of St Francis Xavier. Out of these one was from Prince of Whales and the remaining four were from our museum,” says Mr de Souza.
The other interesting part of this museum is its ‘weeping cross’ situated in the Convent of Santa Moncia that has the Santa Monica Church or the Chapel of the Weeping Cross.
The chapel, which does not hold public masses, is imbibed with history and associated with many legends.
It is said that on the February 8, 1636, the image of Christ opened its eyes and from its wounds blood appeared to flow, as though it were living. The miracle is said to have occurred again on the 12th of the same month, in the presence of the viceroy and bishop, as well as many others gathered there. The image was from then onwards declared miraculous and held in great veneration.
Today this church is in dire need of attention and requires urgent repairs. The Museum of Christian Art took the initiative to restore the church and has now managed to get grants of Rs 60 lakhs from the State government under the Department of Archives and Archaeology. “We want to open it to the public as a part of the museum while maintaining its sanctity as a church. The entire building of the 500-year-old church, all altars, pulpit and artefacts will be restored,” informed Mr de Souza.
The Museum of Christian Art was first situated at the Seminary of Rachol, and was shifted to Old Goa only in 2002 as the museum needed visitors. Mr de Souza believes that not many Goans take an interest in the museum. “I want to know how many Goans, priests and ministers have visited this museum?” he questions.
“There is a need to create consciousness among the people. We need to inculcate a love for our culture and history and not allow it to disappear,” maintains Mr de Souza.
About The Museum: This museum, a project of the Archdiocese, was originally set up with technical and financial assistance of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Portugal and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), New Delhi.
It is a home for artefacts that are being given out by churches on a permanent loan. “These are actually properties belonging to the church. So, if they are needed anytime in future we have to give them back,” says Ms Natasha Fernandes, curator of the museum.
While explaining about the artefacts she added that all have a subtle influence of Indian Art. This shows that most of the artists were either Hindus or Muslims. Like the chest with intricate design which is inspired from Mughal Art. “It is being noted that in the 16th Century emperor Akbar had invited some Jesuits from Goa which facilitated a cultural exchange,” informed Ms Fernandes.
Some other interesting facts: The statue of St Margaret has lot of inspiration from Buddhism. The face of this St reminds one of Buddha, especially the hairstyle.
The highlight of the museum is the Pelican Monstrance that is centrally located.
The altar ornaments called Nagina is the perfect example of Indo-Portuguese Art. Naga is used as a sacred symbol in Hinduism.
It is believed that the famous Goan sweet dish, Bebinca was actually invented by Sr Bibiona who was part of this Convent of Santa Monica.