Fra Antonio Moscheni’s work meet you right at the entrance of the basilica

While the church exterior is finished in brilliant white, pastels lend a warmth to its interiors

Apart from seven canvases on the Passion of Christ, the walls and columns have murals and frescoes

Fra Antonio Moscheni’s rendition of the women at the foot o f the crucifix

When you are a native of the land, you inevitably end up being a guide. From the fastest route to reach the airport, places to visit in Fort Kochi and Mattanchery, and the lowdown on where to get the best seafood – it is assumed that you know it all. And, rightly so. For every textbook guide on India/ Kerala will tell you that you shouldn’t miss what’s left of the Chinese fishing nets, about taking a walk in Jew Town and catching a cultural performance or two. The Santa Cruz Basilica, too, will be on the must-do list. But only a native can tell you of the Italian Jesuit priest, who studied Michelangelo’s repertoire in Rome, and came to Cochin after he was commissioned to paint in churches. And that he died here, too.

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