Churches in Goa
Se Cathedral :
Se Cathedral : Se Cathedral is the largest Church in Asia. Its construction was started in 1562, during the reign of Portuguese King Dom Sebastiao ( 1557-78 ), Count of Redondo, the then Viceroy wanted it to be "a grandoise temple, worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the portuguese, who dominated the seas from Atlantic to the Pacific." The construction of the church was finally completed only after ninety long years in 1652.
As one enters through the main entrance, the majestic interiors overwhelm the visitors by its sheer grandeur. The magnificent reredos above the main altar are intricately carved and layered with gold leaf, with six finely painted panels, depicting the life and martyrdom of St.Catherine.
To the right of the entrance is the granite baptismal font made in 1532, and is said to have been used by St. Francis Xavier. The two small statuettes that are inset into the main pillars are of St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius Loyola.
The tower atop the building has the huge 'Golden Bell', which is not only the largest in Goa but in entire Asia. The bell is noted for its rich tone.
On each side of the church are four chapels, to right are the chapels of St Anthony, St Bernard, the Cross of Miracles and the Holy Spirit. On the left side are the chapels of Nossa Senhora de Necessidades, the Blessed Sacrament (Known for beautifully gilded and decorated walls and ceiling) and Nossa Senora de Boa Vida.
The chapel of Cross Miracles, houses a miraculous cross, which was made in 1619, by shepherds and erected on a hill top near Old Goa. Miraculously the cross started growing in size and it is said that people even saw an apparition of Lord Christ on it. Thus, it was decided to build a church on that site.
During the construction the 'Cross' was temporarily shifted and when it was moved back to the original site, it was found that the 'Cross' had further grown and the doors of the church had to be widened to accommodate. Finally, it was decided to move this 'Cross' to the present chapel in 1845.
This magnificent church received "The Golden Rose" in 1953 by Pope Pius XII, which is now kept in the Bom Jesus Besilica.
Basilica Of BomJesus, Old Goa : 'Bom Jesus' means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus'
It is the most popular church in Goa and perhaps the most revered and architecturally accomplished church in India. It is located to the south of the main square and houses the uncorrupted remains of the holy apostle St. Francis' Xavier.
In 1964, it became the first church in South Asia to be promoted to a Minor Basilica, by order of Pope Pius XII. The historical church has also been declared as a 'World Heritage Monument' by the UNESCO.
The construction of the basilica started in 1594 and was completed in 1605. It is an excellent example of Jesuit architecture. The design of the church is said to be inspired from the Jesuits' headquarters in Rome. The church built in three tiers of laterite and granite has elements of Ionic design at the lowest level, Doric in the middle and Corinthian design at the top.
The facade is built in classical patterns of architecture and is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings. It has a disproportionately large central pediment at top and is crowned by a large Jesuit emblem which depicts three letters 'IHS' an abbreviation of Greek letters 'laesus Hominum Salvator' which means 'Jesus Saviour of Men'.
The layout of the church is simple but exudes a grand posture and has two chapels, a main altar, a choir, a belfry and a projecting gallery for the use of dignitaries on solemn occasions.
On the main gateway are two plaques attached to the pillars beneath the choir gallery. These plaques have inscriptions in Portuguese and Latin, stating that the construction of the Church was started on November 24, 1594 and Fr. Alexio de Menezes, The Archbishop of Goa and Primate India, consecrated it on May 15, 1605.
The pulpit on the southern wall is richly carved and is flanked by figures of Jesus and the four evangelists with their symbols - Lion for Mark, Eagle for John, a Man for Mathew and a Bull for Luke. The bottom of the pulpit shows seven figures supporting it. Opposite to the pulpit on the north wall is a memorial to Dom Jeronimo Mascarenhas, who financed the construction of the church.
The tomb of St. Francis Xavier.
The Main Altar
The ornately gilded reredos behind the main altar depicts the captivating tiny figure of Infant Jesus or Bom Jesus, soaring above it is the huge figure of St. Ignatius Loyola, standing in protection of the Infant Jesus. The figure of St. Loyola is shown gazing in devotion at a huge gilded sun above his head which is inscribed with Jesuit symbol 'IHS' This representation is quite symbolic as St. Loyola was the founder of 'The Society of Jesus', whose members are popularly known as Jesuits. The main altar is flanked by two altars one dedicated to Mother Mary - Our Lady of Mercy, while the other is of St. Michael.
The Altar of our lady of Mercy
The statue of St. Dominic, brought from Malaca is set in niche over this altar. 'Spes Nostra' or '0ur Hope', is inscribed above the statue. Numerous relics of martyrs can also be seen in the antipodium of the altar.
The Altar of St. Michael
A small statue of Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception is set in a niche above this altar. The antipodium of the altar has numerous relics of martyrs.
The Liturgical Altar
This altar was brought in by the second Vatican Council in 1964, after the liturgical reform. It was set up in the transept, facing the people by assembling parts of the old discarded altars. It was inaugurated with a Mass on 12th March 1965 and now has been shifted to the sanctuary the holiest part of the church.
"Mass Hours" :
Weekdays : 07:00 to 08:00 hrs.
Sundays : 08:00 to 09:15 hrs.
Church Of Mae De Deus, Saligao, Bardez : Its overwhelming beauty is because of its doom shape. The Church is perfect example of Gothic architecture. There are 2 lofty bells inside the Church tower.
The unique churche houses a miraculous statue of Mae De Deus (Mother of God), which was brought from the covent of Mae De Deus at Old Goa.
Located on the bus route to Calangute from Mapusa, the church is an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
Feast day :
1st Sunday of the week
And there are many more Churches to see in Goa. Click Here
