OUR LADY OF MERCES CHURCH - COLVA
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Panjim (Goa)): 33 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Colva Beach (1.6 Kms)
Trip Duration (From Colva Beach , Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Place Location: Colva
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Colva Beach (1.6 kms)
At a distance of 33 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 24.6 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 6.7 km from Margao Railway Station, Our lady of Merces Church is situated in Colva part of South Goa.
The Church of Our Lady of Merces is also known as Nossa Senhora de Merces. Dedicated to our Lady Mercy, this hallowed Church was built in 1630 and later rebuilt in 18th century. It is one of the foremost testimonies of the hamlet of Colva erected in Colonial era. This white washed church is a little gem of a masterpiece and is steeped in centuries of history.
The highlighting feature of the Church is the infant (Menion) Jesus statue. This miraculous statue of the infant Jesus is known to grant the wishes of childless couples, answering their prayers. This statue was found by Fr. Bento Ferreira, a Jesuit priest on the Mozambique coast. He brought the statue to Goa in 1648 and placed it in the church.
Our Lady of Mercy Church celebrates the annual Fama Festival on 3rd Monday of October every year. The miracle statue is kept for public veneration and taken out from the triple locked vault only during the famous 'Fama de Menino' feast. It is one of Goa's most popular feasts and on the occasion a grand fair is held.
Timings: 7 AM - 8 PM on all days.
