Saligao's neo-Gothic-styled church is 150 years old

BUILDING FAITH

The people of Saligao village in Bardez, North Goa, celebrated 150 years of the existence of the Mae de Deus Church which has been their abode of prayer, faith and enlightenment.

THE PAST

The foundation of the church, which is dedicated to Mother of God (Mae de Deus) or Our Lady, was laid on February 7, 1867, while it was inaugurated on November 26, 1873.

STRONG FOUNDATION

The church took seven years to build. Some of the stones for its construction were sourced from the ruins of a friary at Daujim village in Old Goa.

BIG PART OF HISTORY

The church is known for the miraculous wooden statue of Mae De Deus, which was brought from Daujim in Old Goa. It was brought to Saligao after Daujim fell into ruins.

THANKSGIVING

To mark this significant event, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão graced the occasion with an Eucharistic celebration.

TRADITIONAL WELCOME

The Cardinal was welcomed by a prayer dance and the day also saw other celebrations to mark the occasion.

RICH HERITAGE

Overlooking lush-green fields, the Mae de Deus church is a sight to behold and its architectural grandeur speaks of the rich history its precincts have witnessed for one-and-half century.

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