Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa
History:
The Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa is called Igreja de Santa Cruz in Portuguese. The Holy Cross Church Verna, Goa is one of the popular Goan Churches and is locally known as the ‘Verna Church’ locally in Goa.
The first version of the Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa according to historical records was in 1568. The Holy Cross Church lies in the heart of the village of Verna. The Verna Church is built in the traditional manner over looking the large church Square. The Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa has been built in three different places since the original construction. The present Verna Church was built in 1612.
” When the Portuguese entered this land (Salcete) about the year 1519…. they built an altar under a tree (in the Mardol ward of the village of Verna) and consecrated the land to God with the first mass said in Salcete” – Oriente Conquistado. The Mass was probably celebrated by a Dominican priest.
The Catholic population in the parish of Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa is estimated to be around 11,000.
The Chapel in the Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa parish without chaplains are The Our Lady of Necessities Chapel at Senaulim, Verna, Goa and the Our Lady of Lume Chapel at Mongrupoim in Verna, Goa.
The Religious orders based in the Parish of Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa parish are,
The Pilar Fathers SFX who are based at Fr Agnel Ashram in Agnel Ganv, Verna, Goa.
The Cluny Sisters SJC who run the Dr Roque Ferreira Memorial Hospital at Verna, Goa and the Our Lady Mary Mediatrix of all Graces at St. Anthony’s Home at Senaulim, Verna, Goa.
A number of educational institutions exist in the parish of the Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa.
Padre Conceicao College of Engineering run by the Pilar Father,
Fr Agnel Higher Secondary School run by the Pilar Fathers.
Marina English High School and Fr Agnel Multipurpose High School run by the Pilar Fathers.
The Pre Primary school of St Joseph of Cluny run by the Cluny Sisters.
Fr Agnel Polytechnic, Agnel institute of Food Craft and Culinary Sciences, Agnel Entrepreneurship development institute, Agnel Vocational Training Institute, Agnel Industrial Training Institute and the Centre for Incubation and Business all run by the Pilar Father SFX.
The Konseisanv Balgram home for boys and the konseisanv balgram home for girls are both run by the Pilar Father SFX. In Enterprises, the Blessed Joseph Vaz enterprises set up also exists in the Verna Parish.
The Feast of Holy Cross Church, Verna, Goa is celebrated on the sunday which comes after 14 September every year.