St. Jerome Church — Attraction in Goa

Beautiful Baroque style church, great somewhat central location in Mapusa, serene atmosphere for prayer and reflection. Recently attended a funeral service for a family member. My issue is with the staff and protocols in place. A distinction is made between parishioners and non- parishioners. Our request was simple, arrangements for a funeral service and subsequent memorial mass. The office had issues with the fact that we were non members of the congregation( weddings and other life events were celebrated at this parish). The reason we are non members is caring full time for a bed-ridden, advanced stage dementia patient( God's work). Furthermore, I as a family member do not reside in Goa. An exception was granted and funeral arrangements completed. The memorial mass was also made difficult as we had to source a priest from a seminary and again not being familiar with the protocols and guidelines. A priest was eventually sourced from a different diocese with the assistance of family and friends. Given that the family is dealing with immense grief this should be a crucial aspect and afforded due consideration.. I feel the church should do their part in easing the pain and limit formalities to what is required considering we are lay persons. The church has the authority and capacity to complete this task, thus minimizing the stress when dealing with the loss of a loved one at a very difficult time. How is the church expected to grow the congregation and faith in the church with all this red tape in place. The church should take this into consideration, I do not wish to see others face similar difficulties in their...

The Church is dedicated to St. Jerome. It is also dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles or Milagres Saibinn (in the native language, Konkani) and therefore, locally, more popularly known as the Milagres Church. According to religious folklore, there were seven virginal sisters - Lairai, Mhamai, Kelbai, Morjai, Mahalsa, Adiadipa and Mirabai. It is believed that the deity Mirabai, the youngest of the seven original goddesses of Goa, converted to Christianity from Hinduism and assumed the name Milagres. Owing to the sisterly bond they shared, Goddess Lairai of Shirgao and Milagres Saibinn of Mapusa, on their respective feasts, exchange ‘Ojem’ (a basket). On Milagres' Feast, a pot of Coconut oil is sent from the Lairai Temple on behalf of Goddess Lairai, as a gift to her younger sister Milagres, in Mapusa. In return, Milagres sends Lairai on her feast, which is celebrated some time later, in Shirgao, an ‘ojem’ of ‘mogrim’ (scented white Jasmine flowers), believed to be Goddess Lairai’s favourite. Both feasts are deeply cherished and attended by Christian and Hindu Goans in large numbers. This is Indian syncretism at its purest and most...

A Special January: United in Faith and Love⛪️💍, A Memorable Nuptial Mass at St. Jerome Church in Mapusa, North Goa. This Church is beautiful, the altar glows with a warm and radiant golden backdrop. The main altar dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles is breathtaking, The altar shines with timeless gold, intricate designs and decorations. Right-side altar is dedicated to St. Jerome, the patron saint of the church and the Left-side altar features the statue of St. John the Baptist. Our Lady of Miracles is highly respected by the local community. The annual Milagres Feast, usually celebrated in May, brings everyone together in faith and festivity. The church compound comes alive with entertainment like Konkani dramas and games, while the traditional fairs overflow with provisions for the monsoon, furniture, and much more—practically filling the entire city While I had attended mass here once before, this January was uniquely memorable as it commemorated my Niece’s nuptial ceremony. It was a beautifully arranged celebration, leaving me filled with gratitude...