ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH - TIVIM
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 19 Kms
Commonly Visited From: St. Jeromes Church, Mapusa (7.1 kms)
Trip Duration (From St. Jeromes Church, Mapusa , Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: Tivim
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from St. Jeromes Church, Mapusa (7.1 kms)
At a distance of 19 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 45 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 6 km from Mapusa, St. Christopher Church is situated in North Goa.
St. Christopher Church or Sao Cristovao Church located beside a river in Tivim. The Church of Tivim was built in 1627 by the villagers of Tivim, Sirsaim and Assonora. The primitive church was destroyed by the invading forces of Sambhaji in 1683 and it had to be rebuilt around 1685. The parish of Tivim extended till Assonora beyond which was the Apostolic Vicariate of Bijapur. Renovated in 1720, the church attracts a large number of devotees. Since 1766, the parish is looked after by the diocesan clergy.
St. Christopher Church is dedicated to Patron Saint Christopher. The one-time patron saint was celebrated for carrying people across a tumultuous river with only a staff in hand. One stormy night he carried a child on his shoulders whose weight seemed to increase with each step he took. The child revealed himself to be the infant Jesus, bearing the weight of the sins of the world. For his kindness the robust man's staff was transformed into a tree and he was renamed 'Christopher' or 'Christ bearer', soon to become a beacon for ferrymen, travellers, mariners and athletes.
This Church was built in Mannerist style with Rococo features. It has 3 storeys and Rococo curved frontispiece with niche. The church contains twin bell turrets and a large porch with arched openings and balustrade on flat roof. The decorative carved pulpit of the church is one of the most attractive features. This church is famous for the ancient statues of St Michael, St Sebastian and St Thomas. Locally revered as Sao Cristavo, Christopher's broad shoulders continue to be sought not just by travellers but also the sick and suffering.
The annual feast of St Christopher is celebrated in the Church of St Christopher in Tivim on the last Sunday of July.
