Information of Mary Immaculate Conception Church:
Location : Panaji city, North Goa
How to Reach : Local transport in Panaji
Significance : Dedicated to Mother Mary
Festivals : Feast of the Immaculate Conception in December every year.
About the Mary Immaculate Conception Church :
The Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is posited in Panjim. The church is said to have been in existence by 1541. However, the early church of Mary Immaculate Conception was re-built in 1619. After Panjim became the capital of Goa, the great bell of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Old Goa (the Bell of the Inquisition) was also moved to this church from Aguada in 1841. This bell, which is now in the church of Mary Immaculate Conception is reputed for being the world 2nd largest bell.
The inside of the church of Mary Immaculate Conception is relatively simple in design. The main altar is dedicated to Mary Immaculate. There are two heavily gilded and carved alters dedicated to Jesus Crucified and to Our Lady of the Rosary lying on either side of the main one. At the side of each of these flanking alters is a marble statue, one of St Peter and one of St Paul. In the south transept of the main altar is the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier with a glass-encased statue of him. This statue was initially located in the Idalcao Palace and was moved here in 1918 when the chapel there was dismantled.
The best time to visit the church of Mary Immaculate Conception – apart from the night time – is during the feast days. The locals celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima at the end of May (according to the Church calendar). The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year in Margao and Panjim on 8th December. In Panjim there is a 3 day fete to celebrate the occasion. These stalls sell garments, souvenirs, miniatures, handicrafts, sweets (called hajem by the locals), food and drink.
