St. Anne Church Goa

St. Anne Church, Goa, is situated in the small village called Talaulim on the banks of the river Siridao.It is the most renowned and distinguished church in Goa, known for its excellent architecture.The St. Anne Church at Talaulim was founded in the year 1577.It was reconstructed by its Vicar ,Monsignor Francisco de Rego between 1681-1689 with his own funds and contributions of villagers. Unfortunately he could not complete the task and the responsibility was given to Fr Antonio Francisco da Cunha for its completion, which he did 1965.

The main altar is dedicated to St. Anne- the mother of Mary. There is a belief that the main altar is devoted to this beloved Saint due to certain reasons. It is believed that there was a priest, who was living in the local area, was assigned for the conversions of the villagers of Talaulim. He decided to construct a small holy place, though he failed to sanctify the same in honour of any known Saint. However a villager claimed that he saw an old woman coming down the hill with a walking cane and a hat, and claimed that the hermitage was her abode and wanted to set her residence therein. The priest disseminated this incident through the village. An old Brahmin lady claimed that when she was seriously ill the same old lady appeared to her in her dreams and held her hand to raise her from bed. She said that her name was Anne and wanted an abode in the village. The lady was miraculously cured thereafter. The priest then dedicated the church in the name of St. Anne.