St. Cajetan Church

The St. Cajetan Church is located in Vela Village old Goa(South Goa) around 12 Km from the state capital Panaji. also known as The Church of Divine Providence is a magnificent example of the Corinthian style of architecture and a rare gem of Italian architecture in India. The church was built by Italian friars of the Theatine Order in the mid-17th century and is the sole surviving example of Italian architecture in Old Goa, which was once the capital of the Portuguese empire in the East.It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visiting Hours: Monday To Sunday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, No Entry Fee

Dress Code : Modest Dressing

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Holy Mass timings are as follows:

• Weekdays: Konkani mass at 7 am
• Saturdays: 7 am and 6 pm
• Sundays: 8 am
• All services are in Konkani.

Historical Information

The history of St. Cajetan Church in Old Goa is rooted in the arrival of the Theatine order, led by Saint Cajetan, to Goa during the 17th century. This Italian Catholic priest, along with his companions, sought to establish a religious presence and promote Catholicism in the region, which was under Portuguese colonial rule at the time.

Construction of St. Cajetan Church began in 1655 under the patronage of the Portuguese Viceroy, Dom João da Silva, and was completed in 1661. The church was built using laterite blocks, a common construction material in Goa, and was designed in the Baroque architectural style, reminiscent of the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

The church was dedicated to Saint Cajetan, who co-founded the Theatine order known for its emphasis on apostolic preaching and reform. Saint Cajetan’s devout followers and the Portuguese colonial authorities envisioned the church as a center for religious activities, including worship, preaching, and community gatherings.

Over the centuries, St. Cajetan Church witnessed various historical events, including natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, as well as political transformations such as the transition from Portuguese to Indian rule in 1961. Despite these challenges, the church remained a steadfast symbol of faith and resilience, serving as a beacon of Catholicism in Goa.

Throughout its history, St. Cajetan Church has attracted pilgrims and visitors from far and wide, drawn by the spiritual significance of Saint Cajetan and the architectural beauty of the church. Today, it stands as a cherished heritage site and a testament to the enduring legacy of Catholicism in Goa, offering insights into the region’s rich cultural and religious history.

Architecture

The St. Cajetan Church in Goa is a magnificent example of the Corinthian style of architecture and a rare gem of Italian architecture in India. The church was built by Italian friars of the Theatine Order in the mid-17th century and is the sole surviving example of Italian architecture in Old Goa, which was once the capital of the Portuguese empire in the East.

The church is crowned with a massive hemispherical dome that was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and displays two quadrangular turrets instead of towers. Ornate Corinthian columns adorn the frontispiece of the church, with four decorative niches containing the statues of the apostles Peter, Paul, John, and Matthew carved into the façade.

The interior of the church is laid out in the shape of a Greek cross and is a play of contrasts between its pristine white walls and the dark statues carved in stone. The Theatine motto from Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you,” is inscribed around the cupola in Latin.

One of the most interesting features of the church is a 72-foot-deep well located directly beneath the dome and marked by a raised square platform. If you peer in through the opening, you can see the light from the windows set around the dome reflected on the surface of the water.

The main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence and is intricately carved and backed by a gilded reredos. There are six additional altars inside the church, including one dedicated to Saint Cajetan. The luminous walls are furnished with paintings that depict scenes from the saint’s life.

The adjoining Convent of St. Cajetan, built on a much smaller scale than the church, is still quite an impressive structure. It houses the Pius X Institute of Pastoral Theology for the training of priests and a small museum of Christian relics.

Must See Features

1. Corinthian-style Façade: The church features a Corinthian style façade with four granite statues of Saints Peter, Paul, John the Evangelist, and Matthew carved into the frontispiece.
2. Massive Dome: The church is crowned with a large hemispherical dome that was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The dome is adorned with Latin inscriptions from the Gospel of Matthew.
3. Greek Cross Layout: The interior of the church is laid out in the shape of a Greek cross, with a play of contrasts between the pristine white walls and the dark stone statues.
4. Main Altar: The main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence and is intricately carved and backed by a gilded reredos. It is based on the altar design of the Church of San Nicolo in Verona.
5. Additional Altars: The church has a total of seven altars, including one dedicated to St. Cajetan himself.
6. Crypt and Well: Underneath the main altar, there is a crypt with a vault resting on four pillars. The church also has a 72-foot deep well located directly beneath the dome, marked by a raised square platform.
7. Convent of St. Cajetan: The adjoining convent, built on a smaller scale, is an impressive structure that houses the Pius X Institute of Pastoral Theology and a small museum of Christian relics.

Gallery

Nearby Attractions

• Basilica of Bom Jesus: Located almost 1 km from St. Cajetan Church, this basilica is renowned for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and is a UNESCO-listed site.
• Se Cathedral: Just 400 meters away, this cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Catherine, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Churches and Convents of Goa.
• Church of St. Francis of Assisi: A short 7-minute walk from St. Cajetan Church, this 17th-century church showcases beautiful Baroque architecture.

The Church of St. Cajetan is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Goa’s rich cultural tapestry. Prepare to be captivated by its architectural grandeur, its historical significance, and the profound sense of spirituality that permeates its very walls.