This baroque style church, now a ‘World Heritage Monument’ located in the beautiful Goa state of India. While I had been there when I was very young, my friend Lata, the owner of Dot Com Women, visited it recently and gave me this very recent photo of the place. That is Lata and her little daughter Sanika that you see in the picture.

The basilica is devoted to Bom Jesus (or Infant Jesus) and apart from it’s magnificent interiors, is famous for holding the holy mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The saint, a member of the Society of Jesus worked for the upliftment of people in Goa and shortly thereafter died on a sea voyage near Japan and was subsequently buried there.

One year later, it was decided to shift his remains to Goa. While doing that, it is said that the body was found intact - just like it was when it was buried.

The body is still on display there in a decorative casket and is also made public every ten years when people can actually touch the body. The holy saint’s body is said to have miraculous healing powers.

The church is located in Old Goa, about 10 minutes from Panjim City and is exactly opposite to ‘Se Cathedral’.

Berkhampstead, a pretty, quaint town in Hertfordshire, served as a getaway from London during my visit there.

The historic town has a lot to boast of from its victorian bakeries, the oldest extant shop, cobbled streets, picturesque schools to the largest church in Hertfordshire - St. Peter’s Church. The 13th century church is one of those places where you absolutely love being around and feel close to yourself. This beautiful architectural model, comprising of three different styles - Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular was started in 1220 and has served the masses since. It is also the center of a lot of local activity from choirs to concerts.

If you chance to visit London, take a day off from the city traffic and do visit this charming place with this beautiful church. Visit their official website for directions, location, photos and more information:

http://www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/