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The Church of St. Anne at Talaulim, Ilhas
About Goa
Goa is famous for its historic churches, forts, traditional homes, colorful festivals, lush green countryside, rich flora and fauna, fabulous cuisine, and exotic beaches. The magical land of Goa is decked with popular tourist destinations like Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Tambdi Surla and Tiracol Fort, the Calangute Beach, the Baga Beach, etc. The Churches in Goa, as well, are a big crowd puller among the tourists from world over.
Churches in Goa
If you want a bit of history and culture then there is no better place to visit than the churches of Goa. The magnificent churches in Goa are mainly a legacy of Portuguese colonization, and in fact one of Vasco da Gama's main motives for finding the sea route to India was to seek Christians and spices. With a considerable population of Goans being Christians, the Church is an important factor in Goa's social, cultural and religious life. Some of the major churches in Goa are the Basilica of Bom Jesu, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Paul and the Church of St. Anne at Talaulim, Ilhas.
The Church of St. Anne at Talaulim, Ilhas
Situated on the right bank of the Siridao River, The Church of St. Anne at Talaulim, Iltias is renowned for its magnificent architecture. It has an Indian architectural style blended beautifully with Western designs with alterations suiting indigenous tastes. Commonly called Santana by the local people, the church was reconstructed by Mons Francisco do Rego with his own funds and with the contributions of some villagers. Since he could not complete the construction, the remaining was done by Fr Antonio Francisco da Cunha in 1965.
The main altar is consecrated to St Anne – the Mother of Mary. There is a legend about this main altar, according to which in 1577, some devotees purchased the site in the island of Goa (Tiswadi), which was later named as Quinta de Sant Ana. The priest who was assigned to convert the villagers of Moula and Talaulim decided to construct a small hermitage but failed. However, according to a local named Bartalomeu Marchon, an old woman came down the hill with a walking cane and hat, claiming that the hermitage was her dwelling and wanted to set her residence therein. This was asserted by an old Brahmin lady, who claimed that this same old lady appeared in her dreams, stating that her name was Anne and wanted a house in the village, and cured her when she was seriously ill. This led to the Church being consecrated to St Anne.
The festivity of St Anne which falls on 26th July and is celebrated all over Goa, mainly in Talaulim where it is called Touceachem Fest (Cucumber Feast), attended by hordes of people who entreat the revered saint with various offerings to fulfill their fervent wishes.
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