Quepem's new church in Goa is a sanctuary of faith and community

HISTORY IN EVERY BRICK

Originally a chapel, this church was constructed in 1825 by Jose Paulo Almeida e Pereira, a priest. He was the Dean (Head of the Canons) of the Se Cathedral Church at Old Goa.

NEW CHAPTER

Over the years as the parish grew, the need for a new church was felt. In March 2017, foundation was laid for a new church and construction began soon after. It was ready in 2023 and inaugurated on May 14, 2023.

VOICE OF THE FAITHFUL

Quepem taluka has a population of over 10,000 Catholics, which necessitated the construction of the new church. Hence, after overcoming numerous hurdles, this church was established.

MARK THE DATE

Since May 9, 2025, the church has been alive with the spirit of prayer and anticipation, as novenas lead up to the annual Feast of the Holy Cross, scheduled for May 18.

PARISH READY TO REJOICE

The feast Mass will be celebrated at 9.30 am, bringing together parishioners in joyous reverence and thanksgiving.

SACRED SANCTUARY

The church encapsulates a calm, solemn space. It contains a statue of the Pieta – traditional depiction of Mary holding the body of the crucified Jesus. It also has portraits of the stations of the cross.

FIND PEACE

Outside, a beautiful grotto represents the Crucifixion of Jesus, flanked by two pristine white statues believed to be the Virgin Mary and St John the Evangelist, standing faithfully at the foot of the cross.

KNOW MORE

If anyone has questions about Mass timings or simply wishes to learn more about the history of the church, then the parish office is the perfect place to start.

NEXT: Step back in time as you wander around Goa’s villages