CHURCH OF ST.THOMAS - ALDONA
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 16 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Corjuem Fort (3.3 kms)
Trip Duration (From Corjuem Fort , Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: Aldona
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Corjuem Fort (3.3 kms). Corjuem Church (2.2 kms) is near by can also be visited from here.
At a distance of 16 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 43 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 9 km from Mapusa, St. Thomas Church is situated in North Goa.
St. Thomas Church is one of the oldest and most revered Churches located in Aldona. Aldona is the 7th parish established by Franciscans in Bardez. The church is dedicated to St. Thomas. Originally the Church was built in Coimavaddo by Franciscan in year 1569. The new building was built in 1596 AD due to the requirement of a more conveniently located bigger church. But since it was still a mud structure a new and strong edifice was made in 1610 which can be seen till today. The parochial residence and the present sacristy were added by 1898 and the tower on the left side came up in 1927. The church today hosts 8000 parishioners.
It was built on a high plateau on the banks of the Mapusa River. A flight of broad steps cut into a cliff and lead to an open plain that surrounds the grand white building. The Church interiors are supposed to have some stunning murals depicting stories from the Bible. The treasures of the church are the subject of a village legend. At one time, the statues of the church were strung with jewellery by villagers as thanks for prayers answered. But Churches were often robbed of these jewels.
According to the legend, one night a band of thieves crossed the river into Aldona to rob the Church. At the base of the hill, a young boy appeared to the group leader and cautioned them not to proceed. The thieves ignored the boy and entered the Church. As they forced open a chest of valuables, the church bells began to ring. Some of the thieves drowned in the river trying to escape. The leader and some others were captured. When the leader was taken past the main altar, he identified the statue of St. Thomas as the boy he had seen earlier who warned him not to rob the Church.
A Feast is celebrated at St. Thomas Church on 3rd Sunday following Easter.
Timings: 8 AM - 10 AM on all days.
