MAE DE DEUS CHURCH
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 10 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Calangute Beach
Trip Duration (From Calangute Beach, Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: Saligao
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: 1.Calangute Beach (4.5 kms), Baga Beach (5.3 kms), Candolim Beach(5.5 kms) can also be visited from this place.
2. St.Diogo's Church (4.2 kms), Our Lady Of Succours Church (6.3 kms) can also be visited from this place.
At a distance of 10 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 37 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 8 km from Mapusa, Mae De Deus which literally means Mother of God is located in Saligao, North Goa.
This beautiful Mae De Deus church is situated 4.5 km from Calangute Beach. It was built in 1873. The shrine of the Nossa Senhora Mae De Deus was brought over from the ruins of the convent of Mae De Deus at Old Goa. It is a modern church. The foundation stone was laid on in 1867 and completed in 1873.
The church stands as a fine example of the Gothic style of architecture. The doom shape gives a magnificent look to the church. The statue of Nossa Senhora is worshipped by the devotees in the courtyard of the church. There are two lofty bells inside the tower that add to the serenity of the church. The church also makes for a photographers dream canvas.
This is one of most beautiful churches in Goa, well lit and a superb sight especially at night. It is the Parish Church for the village of Saligao. The Goa TourismDepartment has made arrangements to illuminate the church at night.
The feast is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year. Every day the novena is organized by a different ward of Saligao. The festivities end with a grand procession in veneration of Our Lady invoking her blessings on the village of Saligao. A 'Fair' is organized that offer the visitors with sweets, toys and refreshments all through the day. Each day at the end of the novena small group of children dress like angels who dance before Our Lady and venerate her with flowers.
Every year on the feast of Mae de Deus the Saligao Sporting Club have their traditional dance Foxes' Nite' which draws people from all over Goa and foreigners on holiday too.
