By Nirmala Carvalho The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will begin work to restore the Mastrillian Casket, which contains the relics of St Francis Xavier, starting on 10 December, said Fr Patricio Fernandes, SJ, Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. The Basilica will thus be closed for visitors on Thursday after the 8 am Mass. The Silver Casket containing the relics of St Francis Xavier was brought in procession from St Paul's College on 19 February 1624 to the Basilica of Bom Jesus two years after he was declared saint and patron of Goa. Fr Marcello Mastrilli, who miraculously revived from death through the intercession of St Francis Xavier, came to Goa in December 1635 on his way to Japan. Upon seeing the Silver Casket, he ordered a new silver covering for the coffin, which was completed by 2 December 1637, in time for the saint’s feast day.