The St Cruz Church (Igreja de Santa Cruz), in St Cruz, and was built in 1547, and is one of several churches in Tiswadi. It serves one of the largest parishes in Goa, and is located roughly 3.5 km from Goa’s capital, Panjim city.
Also known as Santa Cruz Church, it is situated in Santa Cruz, or Calapur, village. The name ‘Santa Cruz’ is derived from two words – ‘Santa’ meaning ‘holy’; and ‘Cruz’ meaning ‘Cross’. The Holy Cross Church was built in Calapor at the recommendation of the then King of Portugal. In March 1546, the King of Portugal, D Joao III had instructed the vicar general of Goa, Miguel Vaz, to have a church built in Calapor. However, work on the structure didn’t start until 1555, and its construction was finally completed by 1565.
The Dominicans rebuilt the church in 1710, while the diocesan clergy began to work in the parish of the Santa Cruz Church in 1776.
The church is built in the Neo-Roman style of architecture, and is a blend of Indian and European influences. Its facade is a replica of the Se Cathedral, in Old Goa, and many little carvings can be seen on the main door. In addition to the main church, there are 5 chapels in the village.
The feast of Holy Cross Church is the main village festival and is celebrated on the second Sunday of May every year. The villagers also celebrate the harvest festival with great pomp in August, wherein the new crop is blessed.
The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of January. The feasts are preceded by a 9-day novena in the church.
This year, the feast of Holy Cross, St Cruz, will be celebrated on May 8, 2022
