Santa Cruz Church, Goa
The Holy Cross Church is also known as Santa Cruz Church situated in Santa Cruz or Calapur village. The name Santa Cruz is derived from two words Santa means holy and Cruz means Cross. The Holy Cross Church was built in Calapur at the recommendation of the King of Portugal in 1957 as a means of converting the people to Christianity. The Dominicans baptized thousands in Calapur in a short span by conducting classes in reading, writing, and Christian doctrine in the church for the children up to the age of ten.
The facade of the Church of Santa Cruz is a replica of the Se Cathedral and many little secrets are carved into the main door. In addition to the main church building, there are 5 chapels and 9 crosses, besides many crosses that have been erected by families themselves.
The feast of Holy Cross Church is held on the Sunday between the 2nd and 8th of May every year which is the main village festival. The villagers also celebrate the harvest festival with great pomp on 24th August.
History
The Holy Cross Church is also known as Santa Cruz Church situated in Santa Cruz or Calapur village. The name Santa Cruz is derived from two words Santa means holy and Cruz means Cross. The Holy Cross Church was built in Calapur at the recommendation of the King of Portugal in 1957 as a means of converting the people to Christianity. The Dominicans baptized thousands in Calapur in a short span by conducting classes in reading, writing, and Christian doctrine in the church for the children up to the age of ten.
Architecture
The church has been built in the Neo-Roman style of architecture with perfect blends of Indian and European culture. The facade of the Church of Santa Cruz is a replica of the Se Cathedral and many little secrets are carved into the main door. In addition to the main church building, there are 5 chapels and 9 crosses, besides many crosses that have been erected by families themselves.
