The Church of St Michael the Archangel, in Taleigão, built by the Dominicans in the year 1544, is one of the oldest churches of Goa.
Church of St Michael the Archangel | Taleigao | Photo: Evelyn Siqueira
IN STYLE
The church is built in the Neo Roman architectural style and has a high façade, surrounded by a large gable with an oculus.
Church of St Michael the Archangel | Taleigao | Panjim | Goa | Photo: Evelyn Siqueira
DISTINCT FEATURES
The Holy Spirit in high relief can be seen on the frontispiece of the church. The church has six altars, including the main altar.
Church of St Michael the Archangel | Taleigao | Goa | Photo: Evelyn Siqueira
FIT FOR A KING
A statue of Cristo Rei (Christ the King) was erected in the church compound in 1967.
Church of St Michael | Taleigao | Panjim | Goa | Photo: Evelyn Siqueira
MAIN FEASTS
Novidade and the feast of the patron saint, St Michael the Archangel, are the main feasts celebrated in this church.
Church of St Michael | Taleigao | Goa | Photo: Sandeep Desai
PATRON SAINT
The feast of St Michael the Archangel is celebrated on September 29, or on the Sunday after September 29 annually.
Church of St Michael | Taleigao | Goa
A FIRST
Each year, the gauncar families of the village ceremoniously harvest the first sheaves of rice (Festa da Espiga) on August 21, making Taleigao the first village in Tiswadi to celebrate Novidade.
Church of St Michael | Taleigao | Goa | feast | Photo: Sandeep Desai
GIVING THANKS
This 4-day festival ends with a thanksgiving mass at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, on August 24, after which the blessed rice is offered to the Governor at Cabo and the Archbishop at Altinho.
Archbishop palace | Altinho | Panjim | Goa
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