St. Thomas Church, Cansaulim, Goa is called ‘Sao Tome Igreja em Cansaulim, Goa’ in Portuguese. It was established in the mid of 16th century by the Jesuits missionary as a Chapel. Around 1588 AD a grand Church was built which is dedicated to St. Thomas. This is an ancient Church built in Portuguese architectural style which has many remarkable features with triple storeyed quite imposing faced.
Central part of the faced is erected on four ribbed pillars and the centre of the Church’s top is adorned with the Holy cross and below a statue covered with glass, below an arched window then entrance at the ground.
Faced bears the triangular spires at the capital of the pillars as either side of the Holy Cross these pillars are extended to three stages and the central pillars up to four stages. It has cornice and the basalt stones surface is covered with lime plaster. The interior is very attractive and the altar is marvelous. There are many statues and Chandeliers suspended to the ceiling.
Saint Thomas who was the companion of Jesus first came to India and it’s considered the first missionary to the Indian Subcontinent. He is a revered personality in the Catholic Church and a patron Saint. His followers are known as Thomas Christians. The nave is having sitting arrangements for the devotees and infront of Altar priest stand and either side of bays decorated pulpits with images. Walls are painted and Jesus image is also there. Nave is having semi circular arched ceilings and structure is supported by the arches.
It’s a very popular Church and masses are held in Konkani and English languages. I couldn’t attend any mass as it was not Sunday.
