INTRODUCTION
St. Andrews Church, located in Goa Velha, is a significant historical and cultural landmark in the state of Goa, India.This church reflects the deep-rooted Christian traditions of the region.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Goa Velha, Goa is popularly called ‘The Goa Velha Church’ locally in Goa. The first Church at Goa Velha, built before 1583, was abandoned at the beginning of the 19th century for fear of collapse. The present St. Andrew the Apostle church, Goa Velha was built in 1868, was blessed in June 1869. The Pilar hill, initially the abode of the Franciscan Capuchins and later the head quarters of the Society of Pilar, is part of this parish.The first St. Andrew the Apostle church, Goa Velha church was at a different site was built before 1583. The present Goa Velha church, built in 1868, was blessed in June 1869. The ‘Procession of the Saints’ in which 31 statues of the saints are taken in procession, is held on the 5th Monday of Lent. This procession had its origin in the Monastery of the Capuchin’s at Pilar. After the extinction of the Religious Orders in Goa in 1835, the statues were brought to the St. Andrew the Apostle church, Goa Velha.
The yearly procession of saints at the Church of St. Andrew in Goa Velha is a significant event in the local Catholic community. the procession honors the feast day of St. Andrew, the church's patron saint.The celebration features a vibrant procession through the village, with parishioners carrying statues of saints and singing hymns. The event usually includes a Mass, followed by various cultural activities,reflecting the rich traditions of Goan culture.
The Number of Catholics based in the Parish of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Goa Velha, Goa is 4000.The Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Goa Velha, Goa is celebrated on 30th November every year.
It is located in Goa velha[ vhodlem Gõem in konkani],Goa 403108 .It is always misunderstood with the place,Velha Goa in Old Goa.The Main language used in Goa Velha is Konkani.
Geography
St.Andrew’s Church is located on the northern border of the village in a scenic and picturesque part of the village. The Church square is bounded by six Crosses and a beautiful monument of Christ the King surrounded by modern lamps is in the square. The facade of the Church is architecturally in beautiful Mannerist Neo-Roman style with large size 4 bays into three storeys, facing to the east. The single bell tower has three bells in different sizes with harmonious charming peals. The finials: urn with flower bud style; four finials on the base of balustrades on top of the bell tower and flower bud style two finials on the base of balustrades on third storey these two finials give beauty and support to the gable that holds the Cross high above. The upper triangular portion (frontispiece) of the facade with Rococo curves has two pelicans holding the Chalice and the Host above, in the niche is an image of St. Andrew the apostle signified as the Patron of the Parish. One of the attractive points on the facade on the second storey above the main entrance is an outdoor pulpit, (years ago, this pulpit was used at the end of the procession of Saints and Good Friday services).This is the only Church in Goa, which has an outdoor pulpit on the facade. Also on the second storey two oculus with Cross moulding flank, the two oculus and the door of the pulpit provide natural streams of sunlight into the interior of the Church creating luminous effect. The magnificent cornices and flattened pilasters give impressive look to the facade. The entrance has three doors with moulded flank and corniced arched frame.
It's coordinates are 15°26'38"N 73°52'49"E
