Church of Hallgrímur

Situated in the centre of Reykjavík, it is one of the city's best-known landmarks and is visible throughout the city. State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson's design of the church was commissioned in 1937. He is said to have designed it to resemble the trap rocks, mountains and glaciers of Iceland's landscape.The design is similar in style to the expressionist architecture of Grundtvig's Church of Copenhagen, Denmark, completed in 1940.

Thus, the magnificent Lutheran Church of Hallgrimur is the symbol and the pride of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. This is the most important and honorable landmark in the city. This building is one of the highest churches in the world and the fourth-tallest building in Iceland. The church is named in the honor of the poet and the spiritual leader Hallgrimur Petursson, the author of “Hymns of Passion”.

The project of the church was developed by the architect Gudyno Samuelson in 1937. The construction of the church took 38 years. The building began in 1945 and finished in 1986. The crypt and the choir were completed in 1948. The tower and the wings were completed in 1974, but the nave was hallowed in 1986.

According to the architect’s plan, the building symbolizes the eruption of a volcano. The lava rises from the crater and ascends to heaven. The idea of an island, created by the volcanic forces and depending on it, is of course, up to date. Some, however, see similarity with the stalactites and not with the volcano. Others see similarity with the towers of Middle earth as described in the pages of Tolkien's works. But no matter what associations the church provokes, it leaves no one indifferent.

The church is located in the center of Reykjavik, and it is visible from any part of the city. A seventy-five meters high bell tower is visible before arriving in the city, virtually anywhere in the suburbs. It became one of the main attractions of the city. Despite the fact that the church is young, it is considered the symbol of the city and the pride of the country. The church is also used as an aerial survey, which offers a wonderful view of Reykjavik and its surrounding mountains.

There is a big pipe organ in the church. It was made by the German master Johannes Klais from Bonn specifically for the church of Hallgrimur. The musical instrument is mechanical and there are 102 ranks, 72 stops and 5275 pipes.. It is 15 meters high and 25 tons weight. Probably due to such colossal parameters it is able to provide at least a huge impact on the audience.  Its construction was finished in December 1992. It has been recorded by Christopher Herrick in his Organ Fireworks VII CD and by Mattias Wager on his CD Live at Vatnajökull.

The guests are met by the statue of Leif Erickson at the entrance to the cathedral. He is considered the discoverer of America. So, hearing about the Reykjavik monument of the first America finder, do not expect that the sculpture will represent the Columbus figure. It was donated by the United States in 1930 in the honor of the millennial anniversary of the Icelandic Parliament.

Excellent architectural monuments such as the Cathedral of Hallgrimur are able to delight and surprise for many centuries, preserving the history of every generation and every era.

St. Thomas Church, Malayattoor

The St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Malayattoor (or Malayatoor Church) is one of the most prominent Christian pilgrim centers in the Malayattoor, Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The Malayatoor Church attracts a large number of devotees from not just Kerala, but from all over India. St. Thomas the Apostle was the one who took initiative to begin Christian community in Kerala. He also set up the church here which has been designated by the Vatican as one among the eight International shrines in the world.[1][2] It is believed that St. Thomas held prayer at this church when he landed in Kerala. The hilltop church is located 15 km away from the town of Kalady. Malayatoor and Kodanad villages are located on the opposite banks of the Periyar river with unspoiled and rustic views of the surroundings.

St. Thomas is believed to have landed in KERALA at Kodungallur (Cranganore) in AD 52. Oral tradition says that while travelling through Malayattor, faced with hostile natives, he fled to the hilltop where he is said to have remained in prayer and that he left his foot prints on one of the rocks. According to beliefs, during prayer, he touched a rock, upon which blood poured from it.

The chief festival is on the first Sunday after Easter. It is traditionally believed that St. Thomas used to make the Sign of the Cross on the rock, kiss it and pray at Kurisumudi. The story has it that a miraculous golden cross appeared at that particular spot. Pilgrims going up the hill to call out incessantly "Ponnum Kurishu Muthappo, Ponmala Kayattom", meaning "O Patriarch of the Golden Cross! Climb we shall, this golden hill!"

This Shrine was promoted to Archdiocesan status by Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil on 4 September 1998. There is also a very ancient Church in the name of St Thomas (Estd. 900) at Malayattoor on the bank of Periyar River which serves as the parish Church at present. The annual festival of this church is known as 'Malayatoor Perunal' and it is celebrated in the months of March–April.

Jesus gave a mandate to his Apostles to go out to the whole world and to proclaim the Good News. Thomas set out to India and landed at Kodungalloor in AD 52. A hostile reception was given and his life was in danger. He was forced to flee to the top of the mountain and had spent days in the abode of God. In deep anguish and agony, St. Thomas prayed to the Lord and he made a sign of the cross on the rock. The Mother of Our Lord, Blessed Mary, appeared to console and strengthens him. He descended from the top hill and continued his journey to Mylapoore in Tamil Nadu. Later on the hunters went to the mountain for hunting. While they stayed in the night they saw a glittering sign of cross on the rock. Out of curiosity they struck there with their rude weapons. To their surprise blood gushed out. They ran to the valley and told the locals. They went to the mountain and while they prayed there they got many miracles. This is the humble beginning of Pilgrimage to Kurishumudi.

Kurishumudi is where one can find the Golden Cross believed to have formed when St. Thomas knelt on a rock and signed a cross with his finger. He remained there praying for a long time, and ultimately a golden cross appeared on the spot. One of the most curious sights at the mountain was the permanent footprint and the marks of knees of St. Thomas imprinted on the rock.currently the natural footprint is not there but a manmade footprint is there by church.

A well, situated near the ancient chapel at the top of the mount is believed to be the spot from where St. Thomas quenched his thirst during his time of prayer. Feeling thirsty, he struck the rock from which fresh water started flowing. Pilgrims consider the water in the well to possess divine power to heal ailments.

With its recent recognition by Vatican as an international pilgrim centre, this famous shrine at Malayattoor dedicated to St. Thomas would be extending its healing touch and spiritual bliss to more visitors and for those who come to enjoy its serenity.

St. Thomas founded churches in different places in Kerala including Kollam, Kodungalloor, Nilakkal, Niranam, etc. One can easily seek spiritual happiness and satisfaction amidst the calm and serene locales surrounding Malayatoor. In fact, this center is the most popular and largest St. Thomas shrine in India. It is a popular tourist center and many people throng this place to have a look at this magnificent church. It is a must visit while traveling to Cochin.

Every year on the first Sunday after Easter, thousands of pilgrims throng to this shrine to seek holy blessings. The church has been decorated with beautiful carvings, designs and paintings that depict the life of Jesus Christ. There are facilities for confession and adoration also in this church. The church also has an ancient pond that was used for baptism purposes and a traditional pulpit that is considered to be of much historical significance.

Blessed by natural bounties Malayattoor offers ideal environs for those seeking spiritual happiness. Nowadays, the hill shrine at Malayattoor has emerged as the largest pilgrim center in the name of St. Thomas in India. Here, the big and auspicious occasion is the feast of St. Thomas, which is observed on the first Sunday after Easter, when thousands throng the shrine for his blessings.

Those interested in the architecture of the church would find it highly interesting. It has a combination of Greco-Roman architecture with the altar designed in traditional Greek style, and the front portion of the church following the traditional Roman Catholic Church architecture. Behind the central altar, one can find the carvings, designs and paintings, which include the five joyful mysteries of Jesus Christ. The church has separate facilities for confession and adoration. The ancient baptismal pond and the traditional pulpit are of historical relevance.

From the hill side, one can watch the soothing sight of the smooth flowing Periyar river, which itself would make the minds of pilgrims calm and serene. The church provides facilities for bathing in the river. According to a custom observed here, pilgrims shave their hair and beard before bathing in the river

Devotees arriving at the shrine make several types of offerings. Some climb the hill carrying cross in their shoulders; women folk would carry long brooms with them with prayers for prosperity. Some pilgrims carry stones on their heads, an offering that is meant to remove burdens from their lives. There are various religious rituals in the parish church and at the top of the mount. Some of the services include high mass, ordinary mass, Novena, Adima, Vedi Litany etc.

Contact details:
Administrative Office
Malayattoor Kurusumudy Adivaram,
Malayattoor- 683 587
Ph: +91 484 2469008,
E-mail: mkurusumudy@vsnl.net

How to reach Malayattoor Church


By air

The Cochin International Airport is at a distance of 15 kilometers from here.

By rail

The Angamaly railway station is at a distance of 17 kilometers from Malayattoor, but since most train do not stop at Angamaly you can get down at the next railway station Aluva (Alwaye)as every train halts here.

By road

Malayattoor Church is easily reachable from anywhere in Kerala and Cochin as the place is well connected by a wide network of roads. To get to Malayatoor driving down on the NH47, one will have to take a diversion towards Kalady from Angamaly and drive all the way up to Kalady town which will take about 10 minutes. Then take a left towards Malayatoor. Folks driving down from Ernakulam / Cochin can drive up to Angamaly and take the same route or take the left towards Kalady after Cochin International Airport on the NH47. The latter route is shorter but the time taken will be a little more due to the small roads one will have to drive in.

There is a new bridge from Kodanad to Malayatoor which makes it easy for people coming from the eastern side like Kothamangalam, Munnar etc. They can take the turn at Kuruppampady towards Kodanad and reach Malayatoor in 20 minutes by car. People coming from Perumbavoor can take the Vallom - Kodanad road to access the same bridge to reach Malayatoor in less than 20 minutes.

Parumala Church

St. Peter's and St. Paul's Orthodox Church, Parumala (Parumala Pally) is a prominent parish church of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

History

Old Parumala Church

Parumala is a small stretch of land on the shores of the river Pampa. Malankara Metropolitan Joseph Mar Dionysius wanted to establish a seminary in this area. A plot of land with an area of 2 acres was donated by Arikupurathu Mathen Karnavar to the Malankara Metropolitan for this purpose.

An ordinary building called ‘Azhippura’ was soon built on this plot of land for conducting classes for the deacons etc. Syriac classes were begun here under the care of Fr.Yakob. In course of time, Metropolitan Mar Dionysius gave the charge of the seminary to Metropolitan Mar Gregorios (Later known as Parumala Thirumeni), in order to carry on the Syriac teaching sessions more efficiently and also to help him in other church matters.

Temporary church in Parumala was rebuilt by Mar Gregorios and consecrated in 1895.

Present church

Present church which can accommodate more than 2000 worshippers was designed by renowned architect Charles Correa. The new church is circular in design with an inner diameter of 39 meters. This circle is again divided into three segments by two chords of 16 meters length.His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II, Catholicos of the East laid the foundation stone of the new church on 19 March 1995.

The consecration rites of the new church was held on 27 October 2000 evening led by His Holiness the Catholicos. A public meeting held on 28th afternoon in connection with the consecration ceremony was attended by host of dignitaries including His Excellency P. C. Alexander, Governor of Maharashtra, Arch Bishop Nikitas (Greek Orthodox Church), Arch Bishop Aghan Balizion (Armenian Orthodox Church), Bishop Sarkissan (Armenian Orthodox Church) and several Bishops of the Malankara Orthodox Church and other sister churches and also leaders of other religions.

Parumala Thirumeni

Gheevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala (Raja Ravi Varma, 1905)

Tomb of St.Gregorios at Parumala Church

Parumala church is the tomb church of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios or Parumala Thirumeni. He died on 2 November 1902 at the age of 54. The funeral was conducted at Parumala on 3 November 1902 in the presence of thousands of people and hundreds of priests. Many testimonies to the saintly intercession of Mar Gregorios made Parumala Church and the tomb a centre of pilgrimage.

In 1947 Mar Gregorios of blessed memory was declared a saint by the then Catholicos of the church, His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II.

CHURCH RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT  DESIGN

In 1989, Charles Correa visited the Parumala Church along with structural consultant Kamal Hadkar. They also visited many old Syrian Churches of Kerala. After an intensive study, Mr.Correa submitted a 3-D model and drawings of the proposed new church before the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Church. However, this plan was rejected on various grounds. The revised plan was accepted by the Holy Episcopal Synod in 1993.

The new church is circular in design with an inner diameter of 39 meters. This circle is again divided into three segments by two chords of 16 meters length. The Eastern segment consists of the 3 altars and the vestry. The Western segment consists of the Veranda and the Natakasala (Porch). The Haikla and the space for the congregation come in the middle segment. The new altar on the Northern side is exactly at the same site of the main altar of the old church. The tomb-room now faces west. The roof of the Haikla is a concrete  triple barrier vault  with a height of 18 meters from the floor in the center while the road of the madhuba  is a quadrant vault 21 meters above ground level at the highest point. The 6 meter high simple massive cross over the vault of the madhuba commands an asserting view against the background of the bright blue sky.

CONSTRUCTION WORK

The  foundation and concrete super structure work was done by M/s. Asian Techs Limited, Cochin, in acceptance of their tender of Rs.140 lakhs. His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Mathews II, Catholicos of the East laid the foundation stone of the new church on 19th March 1995. The piling work was begun on 26th August 1995 after His Grace Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitan offered the Holy Qurbana and special prayers.


Contact Information

Parumala Seminary,Parumala P.O, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District Kerala State, Pin:689 626 ,India : +91 479 2312328, 91 479 2312202 , +91 0479 2312226,(10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) | : manager@parumalachurch.com, | : www.parumalachurch.com

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Chengannur, about 10 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 125 km

DAILY PRAYER TIMINGS AT CHURCH
MONDAY TO SATURDAY	Morning Prayer	5 A.M – 6 A.M
	Moonnam Mani Namaskaram	10 A.M – 10.15 A.M
	Noon Prayer	12 – 12.30 P.M
	Onpatham Mani Namaskaram	3 P.M – 3.15 P.M
	Evening Prayer	6 P.M – 7 P.M
	Intercessional Prayer	9 P.M – 9.30 P.M
	Soothara	9.30 P.M
MEDITATION PRAYERS
Friday	Friday Meditational Speech	10.00 A.M – 12.00 Noon
HOLY QURBANA
Monday	Church	7.00 A.M – 8.00 A.M
	Chapel	–
Tuesday	Church	7.00 A.M – 8.00 A.M
	Chapel	–
Wednesday	Church	7.30 A.M – 8.30 A.M
	Chapel	–
Thursday	Church	7.00 A.M – 8.00 A.M
	Chapel	–
Friday	Church (Moonninmel Qurbana )	7.30 A.M – 9.00 A.M
	Chapel	6.30 A.M – 7.30 A.M
Saturday	Church	7.30 A.M – 8.30 A.M
	Chapel	–
Sunday	Church	8.30 A.M – 10.30 A.M
	Chapel	6.30 A.M – 7.30 A.M

Medak Cathedral

Medak Cathedral at Medak in Telangana, India, is the largest church in Telangana and has been the cathedral church of the Diocese of Medak of the Church of South India since 1947. Originally built by Charles Walker Fasnet British Wesleyan Methodists, it was consecrated on 25 December 1924. The Medak diocese is the single largest diocese in Asia and the second in the world after the Vatican.

History

Medak Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop in Medak for the Church of South India (comprising Wesleyan Methodist, Congregational and Anglican missionary societies - SPG, WMMS, LMS, CMS, and the Church of England). The Cathedral is the largest of all churches in Telangana. The Cathedral also sees over the Diocese of Medak, which is the single largest diocese in Asia and the second largest diocese in the world. It was consecrated on 25 December 1924. Built by the British Wesleyan Methodists, the Cathedral is now under the jurisdiction of the Church of South India.

The cathedral was built under the stewardship of Reverend Charls Walker Posnett who was driven by the motto My best for my Lord. Rev. Posnett arrived in Secunderabad in 1895. He first ministered among the British soldiers at Trimullghery. Unsatisfied with the army work, he launched forth into villages. In the year 1896, Rev. Charles Walker Posnett visited a village called Medak and built a bungalow there by staying in dock bungalow. There was no railway route to Medak in those days. The journey of 60 miles (97 km) from Hyderabad had to be done on horseback and Rev. Posnett could do it in a day. There were then hardly two hundred Christians in the whole of Medak area. When he came to Medak, there was a small tiled house as the place of worship. As the number of Christians increased, he felt the need for expanding the church building. Rev.Posnett soon raised a moderate structure on that very spot just enough for the Christian community within the Mission Compound in the traditional shape of a church. He thought it was not a worthy place for divine worship. He started building the present Cathedral in 1914 on a sprawling 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of land in Ghusnabad area. The foundations for the new church were laid in the beginning of the year 1914.During the early part of the 20th century, Medak district was reeling under famine and Rev. Posnett in order to provide succour to the suffering masses gave the masses employment in the construction of the church instead of running a free kitchen. The construction wonk on the cathedral went on for 10 years. The cathedral was consecrated in 1924 by Rev. Posnett expressing his grateful thanks to God for mitigating the sufferings of the people. When several Christian groups became re-united as the Church of South India, the church became the cathedral church of the diocese of Medak in
October 1947.

Architecture

The cathedral is 100 ft (30 m) wide and 200 ft (61 m) long, and conforms to the Gothic Revival style. It can accommodate about 5,000 people at a time. The mosaic tiles were imported from Britain and are of six different colours. Italian masons from Bombay were engaged for laying the decorative flooring. Massive pillars built with fine-hewn and well dressed grey stone support the gallery and the whole edifice. The roof of the church is made sound-proof by means of hollow sponge material, and has an impressive style of vaulting. The surface of the vaulting has the shape of squares. The bell-tower is 175 ft (53 m) high. (It is said that when the nizam of Hyderabad discovered that the church would be higher than the Charminar, he made a vain bid to have its height reduced.

Stained glass

The biggest attraction of the Cathedral are its stained glass windows depicting different scenes from Christ’s life – Ascension behind the altar, Nativity in the west transept, and Crucifixion in the east transept. The windows were designed by Sir. O. Salisbury of England. The stained glass windows were installed at different periods. The chancel window depicting the ascension was installed in 1927, two years after the cathedral was built. The nativity window was installed in 1947 and the crucifixion window was installed in 1958.

History of the Diocese

As mentioned earlier the Diocese of Medak is one of the 22 dioceses of the Church of South India in Telangana state of India. Medak Cathedral at Medak, is the cathedral church of the diocese .Arthur Cotton, a Methodist and engineer by profession, with the help of two missionaries (E.E. Jenkins and George Fryar) travelled in Telangana and were responsible for starting missionary work in a village called Sironcha in 1863. In the year 1878, two other missionaries Henry Little and William Burgess arrived at Secunderabad from Madras. Their Indian colleague was Benjamin P. Wesley. The first Methodist Telugu service was held in Boggulakunta, Ramkote, Hyderabad on 11 August 1879 at the house of a Telugu layman, Joseph Cornelius. Charles Walker Posnett arrived in Secunderabad in 1895 and first helped the British soldiers in Trimullghery. Unsatisfied with the army work, he wanted to launch forth into villages. In the year 1896, Posnett visited a village called Medak and built a bungalow there while staying in the dak bungalow. There were then hardly two hundred Christians in the whole of Medak area. The Diocese was inaugurated on 3 October 1947 and the first bishop installed was Frank Whittaker.

Geographically Medak diocese is spread over five revenue districts of the Northern part of Telangana state, Adilabad, Medak, Nizamabad, Rangareddy and Hyderabad. The Medak diocese's office is situated in Secunderabad. The bishop's seat is in Medak Cathedral which is known in Asia for its notable architecture and prominent gothic structure. The stained glass windows depict the birth, crucifixion and ascension of Jesus Christ. The diocese is divided into three district church councils with representation of ordained full-time clergy from all the pastorates(churches). Two elected delegates from each church form the administrative council in which the various ministries' responsibilities are entrusted through election for a period of one two-year term.

Other Churches in the Medak Diocese


All Saint's Church, Trimulgherry
Built in 1860 exclusively for the British Army personnel and consecrated by Bishop Gill, the church has a long history. A typical Garrison Church, it was presided by Army Chaplains before the baton was passed on to the Church of South India in 1947 and the services now are in English and Tamil. It won the INTACH’s heritage award in 2002.[1]

Garrison Wesley Church, Secundarabad

William Burgess arrived at Secundarabad in 1878 from Madras set in motion the construction of what is widely believed to be the oldest church in Trimulgherry, which was completed in 1881. Initially,the Church was meant only for the British army personnel but after Independence it was taken over by the Church of South India and was opened to public.

The Medak Church is renowned for its large pointed stained glass windows that tell the story of the Bible in a kaleidoscope of colors though visible only in solar light. Made of Italian tiles, the spired bell tower of Medak Church rises to 175 feet high. The length & width of the Cathedral is 200 feet and 100 feet respectively. The roof of thechurch is sound proof being made by hollow sponge material and has an impressive style of vaulting. A window depicts the birth scene of Jesus, angels, Prophet or Issaiah, Mary and astrologers. The left side of the church bears the painted crucification scene and in the center the ascension of Jesus is painted bright. Each window is made up of several bits of stained glass delicately set into the massive stone windows. The window to the north which offers a canopy to the altar is awesome. The church has enough space to accommodate 5000 people at a time in its huge dimension.

There are six different colors of mosaic tiles that were imported from England and used in the church’s flooring. This magnificent white granite structure not only stands for peace but a great example of Gothic architecture in India and South-east Asia.

Timings :

Services:

Sunday General Service – 9:30 am
Sunday Morning Service – 7 am

The cathedral is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm for public viewing and silent prayer.

Travel Information :

By Air : Hyderabad (100 km) is the nearest airport to Medak.

By Train : Kamareddy (60 km) is the nearest railhead to Medak. And Secunderabad (100 km).

By Bus :  Medak church is 100 Km from Hyderabad. This place is accessible by plenty of buses from Secunderabad and Hyderabad Bus Stations. One can also drive to this place to get a feel of the village environment.

Se Cathedral, Goa

Reckoned as one of the largest churches in India, Se Cathedral is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. This church was built in order to revel the victory of Portuguese under a Muslim army, which led to the capture of the city of Goa. Since this triumph coincidentally happened on the feast of St. Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her. The construction of the chutrch began in 1562 and was completed in 1619. The church measures 250m in height and 181 in breadth. The highlight of the church is its “Golden Bell”, which is said to be one of the best bells in the world . On the main Altar, there are a few old paintings that are dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. On the right, there is a chapel, which is also known as Cross of Miracles.

St. Catherine of Alexandria

Usually numbered among early women martyrs, Catherine of Alexandria holds a special place among the prophetic saints in the church because of her role as philosophical defender of the faith. She is also the patroness of Christian philosophers besides being the patroness of the City of Old Goa, aka Velha Goa or Goa Velha.

In Church art, St. Catherine of Alexandria, is depicted wearing a crown, (denoting her royal Birth), holding a book, (denoting knowledge), and steering a spiked wheel (denoting her martyrdom). The reason for this is tradition is to denote the notable epochs in her life.

This magnificent 16th century monument to the Roman Catholic rule in Goa under the Portuguese is the largest church in Asia. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria on whose feast day in 1510 Alfonso Albuquerque defeated the Muslim army and took possession of the city of Goa. Hence it is also known as St. Catherine's' Cathedral

The Cathedral was commissioned by the Portuguese Viceroy, Redondo to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific". The final edifice is bigger than any of the churches in Portugal itself.

The construction of this imposing edifice began in 1562 during the reign of King Dom Sebastião (1557-78) and substantially completed by 1619. The main altars however were not finished until the year 1652. It was consecrated in 1640. The Cathedral was built for the Dominicans and paid for by the Royal Treasury out of the proceeds of the sale of the Crown's property.

The Cathedral stands to the west of the great square called Terreiro de Sabaio and has its façade turned to the east. Its beautiful courtyard is approached by a flight of steps. The building is Portuguese-Gothic in style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. The church is 250 ft in length and 181 ft in breath. The frontispiece stands 115 ft high.

There were originally two towers, one on either side of the façade, but the one on the southern side collapsed in 1776. The exterior of the cathedral is notable for its plainness of style built in the Tuscan tradition. The loss of one bell tower, which was never rebuilt, has given the building a unique look.

The Sé Cathedral has five bells. The existing tower houses a famous bell, one of the largest in Goa and often referred to as 'Golden Bell' on account of its rich tone which has been immortalized in a Portuguese poem. The main altar is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, and old paintings on either side of it depict scenes from her life and martyrdom.

The Cathedral has been built on a raised plinth of laterite, covered over with lime plaster. There is a long nave, two aisles and a transept. A bell tower is located to the southern side of the façade. The nave is barrel-vaulted while the crossing is rib-vaulted. Massive pillars support the vault in the nave and the choir, while the chapels on either side are separated by internal defenses. The building is oblong on plan but has a cruciform layout in the interior.

The main entrance in the façade has Corinthian columns on plinths supporting a pediment containing an inscription in Latin recording that, in 1562, in the reign of King Dom Sebastiao, this Cathedral was ordered to be erected, the Archbishops and the primates being administrators and that the succeeding kings continued the same at the cost of the Royal Treasury.

There are four chapels on either side of the nave, two of which have perforated wooden screens across the entrance. The screens have a high degree of filigree carving which has transformed wood into most delicate insinuations of foliage. Of these two screened chapels, the outstanding Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament has a magnificently gilded and beautifully decorated wall and ceiling, in complete contrast to the sober look of the cathedral's interior.

On the right of the nave, is the other screened chapel, the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles. A vision of Christ is said to have appeared in 1919 on this huge, plain, cross. Towering above the main altar is the huge gilded reredos. Scenes from the life of St Catherine, to whom the cathedral is dedicated, are carved on its six main panels. The Saint was beheaded in Alexandria and among the images here are those showing her awaiting execution and being carried to Mount Sinai by angels.

The two small statuettes inset into the main pillars supporting the choir are that of St Francis Xavier and St Ignatius Loyola. To the right is a chamber containing the baptismal font made in 1532, perhaps brought from the old Cathedral. St Francis Xavier is said to have baptized thousands of Goan converts using this font. A large painting of St. Christopher is hung beneath the choir.

To the left of the entrance are four chapels dedicated to Our Lady of Virtues, St. Sebastian, the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Life. To the right, again are four chapels dedicated to St. Anthony, St. Bernard, the Cross of Miracles and the Holy Ghost.

In the nave are two wooden pulpits projecting from two columns on the right. In the transept are six altars, three on either side of the main altar. The altars on the right side are those of St. Anna, Our Lady of Doloures and St. Peter, while those on the left are those of Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Three Necessities and Our Lady of Hope.

The arches accommodating four of these altars are decorated with paintings depicting scenes from the lives of the saints. On either side of the nave is a niche in which are kept the wooden statues of St. Paul and St. Peter.

In the nave, near the altar, to the right is a projecting gallery on which is kept an 18th century organ. In the nave near the altar are seats for the canon and a throne for the archbishop. There is also a richly carved ebony stand, which was originally in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

To the right is a door that leads to the sacristy, which is a barrel-vaulted structure with gilded altar showing a church modelled after St. Peter's Church in Rome.

The adjoining convent has been turned in to an Archeological Museum and is open to the public. Just behind the cathedral lies a two storied edifice, the Palace of the Archbishop, which is no longer in use. The Franciscan church lies to the the west of the cathedral.



Must See :

• The existing bell tower containing the Golden Bell
• The baptismal font used by St. Francis Xavier
• The main altar with its gilded reredos depicting scenes from the life of St. Catherine of Alexandria as well as her martyrdom.
• The Chapel of the Cross of Miracles, where a vision of the Christ was seen on the plain and unadorned cross in 1919.
• The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament with its skillfully carved and gilded wall and ceiling.
• The wooden filigree screens separating the chapels from the nave.
• The six additional altars in the transept with the paintings depicting the lives of the saints
• The 18th century organ housed in one of the galleries.
• The statuary and paintings along the walls and in the niches of the pillars, including statues of St. Francis Xavier, St Ignatius of Loyola, St. Peter, St Paul and St. Christopher.

Timings

Open everyday from 7.30 am to 6 pm.

Mass Timings

Weekdays – 7.30 am and 6.00 pm
Sunday – 7.15 am, 10.00 am and 4.00 pm

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Bom Jesus Basilica, perhaps Goa's most famous church and among the most revered by Christians worldwide, is partially in ruins but still a model of simplicity and elegance, and a fine example of Jesuit architecture.alt

This is the only church in Old Goa, which is not plastered on the outside, the lime plaster having been stripped off by a zealous Portuguese conservationist in 1950.

Located at Old Goa, 10 kilometres east of Panaji, the Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument.

The foundation stone of this remarkably large church was laid on 24 November 1594 and the church was consecrated by Fr. Alexia de Menezes, the Archbishop of Goa and Primate of India consecrated it when it was completed on 15 May 1605. In 1946 it was raised to the status of a minor Basilica.

The Order of Jesuits was suppressed in 1759 and its property confiscated by the Portuguese State. The church was, however allowed to continue services.

This magnificent edifice stands as a superb example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is called "Bom Jesus" meaning 'good Jesus' or 'infant Jesus' to whom it is dedicated. The façade has on it, at the top, the letters, "HIS" which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek.

The imposing facade built out of black granite in an exquisite combination of the Doric, Corinthian and composite styles, is remarkable for its simplicity. It measures 183 ft in length,55 ft in breath, and 61 ft in height. The main altar is 54 ft high and 30 ft broad. The pillars and detail are carved from basalt which was brought from Bassein, some 300 kms away. The interior of the church is built in Mosaico-Corinthian style and is remarkable for its charming simplicity.

The roof was originally tiled. The church is cruciform on plan. The flying buttresses on the northern side of the church are recent additions. A single-storeyed structure adjoining the church on its southern wing connects it with the Professed House.

The three-storeyed facade of the Church shows Ionic, Doric and Corinthian Orders, and has a main entrance flanked by two smaller ones, each having Corinthian columns supporting a pediment. There are two chapels, a main altar and a sacristy besides a choir inside the Church itself. There is a belfry is at the back.

As one enters, beneath the choir, to the right is an altar of St. Anthony and to the left is an exceedingly well-carved wooden statue of St. Francis Xavier. In the middle of the nave on the northern wall is the cenotaph of the benefactor of this church, Dom Jeronimo Mascarenhas, the Captain of Cochin, who died in 1593, bequeathing the resources out of which this church was built. The two columns supporting the choir bear slabs inscribed in Portuguese and Latin the dates of beginning of construction and the consecration.

Opposite the cenotaph, projecting on the southern wall is a profusely carved wooden pulpit with a canopy on top. The pulpit has on its three sides the figures of Jesus, the four evangelists and four doctors of the church. The bottom of the pulpit depicts seven figures as though supporting it.

A projecting gallery, which was intended for the use of dignitaries on solemn occasions, runs along the two longer sides of the Church.

The main altar at the end of the nave is flanked by two decorated altars in the transept, one dedicated to Our Lady of Hope and the other to St. Michael. The richly gilded main altar has the figure of infant Jesus and above it is a large statue of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the order of Jesuits, gazing with fervour at a medallion on which is inscribed "HIS". Above the medallion, the Holy trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are depicted. In the transept on the northern side is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.

On the southern side in the transept is a chapel with gilded twisted columns and floral decorations of wood, where the sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier are kept. The interior of this chapel is richly adorned with wooden carvings and paintings, depicting the scenes from the life of the Saint.

A beautiful silver statue is kept in front of the casket. The silver casket, which serves as a reliquary containing the sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier, is exquisitely carved, and was once studded with precious stones. The casket is divided on each side into seven panels, each of which has two plates representing in relief important incidents in the life of the saint.

Adjoining the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier is a corridor that leads to the sacristy, entered through an exquisitely carved wooden door. It is an oblong vaulted structure with an apse at the end. Alongside the walls are kept the portraits of various saints above delicately carved chest of drawers. In the altar at the apse in an iron chest containing a golden rose blessed by the Pope Pius XII and gifted to this city in 1953. At the foot of the altar is the grave of the founder of the vestry, Balthazar da Veiga who died in 1659. A painting giving a fair idea as to the state of the body of St. Xavier about a hundred years ago is displayed near the altar.

Inside the basilica the layout is simple but grand. A simple wooden one has now replaced the original vaulted ceiling. To the left of the door as you enter the basilica is a statue of St. Francis Xavier, but the visitor's attention is drawn to the huge and ornate gilded reredos which stretches from floor to ceiling behind the altar.

The Professed House

The Professed House of the Jesuits located next door to the Basilica is a two storey laterite building covered with lime plaster which actually predates the Basilica, having been completed in 1585 despite strong opposition to the Jesuits. Jesuit missions to the eastern regions were planed and organised from here.

Completed in 1589 under the able supervision of Br. Domingos Fernandes, the Cassa Professa or the "Professed House" according to Jesuit law is one which is intended for the exercise of the ministries of the Society and should be conspicuous for the exactness of the Jesuit way of life.

There is an extremely interesting story behind the construction of the Church. The Jesuits faced strong opposition from the Senate, the Santa Cassa da Misericordiaa and the Franciscans for their planned construction in the spacious square called Terreiro dos Gallos. However on the night preceding the day on which they were to be legally restrained from building the site, two fathers and one brother converted a small house into a temporary church and on its door inscribed the word 'JESUS'.

The next morning the Church was thrown open and a bell rang to call the surprised people from the neighborhood to celebrate mass. After that the opponents were never able to dislodge the occupants.

The ravages of time and the raging flames of the great fire in 1663 destroyed some of its lengthy corridors and spacious apartments but it was rebuilt in 1783. One more storey on the top was demolished between 1886 and 1887.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus  contains the relics of St. Francis Xavier, Patron saint of Goa, Apostle of the Indies. He was known as Goencho Saib by most of the people of Goa. The relics of St Francis Xavier were kept in this chapel from 1623-55 AD. The Blessed Sacrament was earlier kept on the main altar under the statue of St Ignatius and now is preserved in a gold tabernacle. A cenotaph of gilded bronze to Dom Jeronimos Mascarenhas, Captain of Cochin and Ormuz and the benefactor of the church, is on the northern wall near the side wall. The church is dedicated to the Infant Jesus and is exquisitely decorated. The infant Jesus is shown under the protection of St Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the Society of Jesus. The statue of St Ignatius is almost 3 m high. The side have altar to Our Lady of Mercy and St Michael. The Liturgical altar was set up by assembling the old discarded altars and was inaugurated on 12th March 1965. The chapel and tomb of St Francis Xavier is to the south of the church. The body of St. Francis Xavier was brought here from the College of St Paul after his canonization in 1624 AD. It was shifted to its present location in 1655 AD. The chapel has three doors on the east, west and south. A huge picture of the saint is hung on the last door. The chapel is decorated with 27 pictures representing the life and miracles of the saint.

The mausoleum is a three-tiered bier built by the Duke of Tuscany (1670-1737 AD) in return for the pillow on which the head of St. Francis Xavier rested for many years after his death. Giovanni Batista Foggini from Florentine designed the structure and was completed in1698 AD. It arrived at Goa on 16th September 1698 from Florence, Italy and was erected between 14th October and 9th November 1698. On the top of the bier lies the Silver Casket, which contains the relics of the saint.

The casket was constructed by Gaon silversmiths under the supervision of Fr Marco Mastrilli S.J. it is also known as Mastrillian casket. The money for its construction came from the donation in Goa and elsewhere. It was completed on 2nd December 1637 on the feast of the Saint. It was crowned by a cross standing on a pedestal with the figures of two angels on both the sides, one near the head holding a heart with a halo and the other near his feat bearing the motto "Satis est, Domine, Satis est" meaning "It is enough, O Lord, it is enough!". It is believed to be the most common utterances of the saint. The plates on the sides of the casket have been removed to make the relics visible through the inner glass/ crystal urn into which the relics were placed in 1955.

The crystal urn was ordered after the exposition of D. Jose Costa Nunes, Patriarch of Goa in 1952, it was decided that the sacred relics should not be touched directly anymore. The crystal urn was made in the Casa Brandizzi at Rome and was brought to Goa on January 30th 1955. The relics were placed in the crystal urn first and then into the silver casket on February 13th 1955 and sealed. The old wooden coffin with its three keys is now kept in the museum at the Professed House of the Jesuits.