SANTO CRISTO CHURCH / ST. CHRIST CHURCH - VANXIM
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 12.5 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Our Lady of Piety, Divar (3.2 kms)
Trip Duration (From Our Lady of Piety, Divar , Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Place Location: Vanxim Island, Near Divar Island
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Our Lady of Piety, Divar (3.2 kms) or Basilica of Bom Jesus (6 kms)
At a distance of 12.5 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 39 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 23.7 km from Mapusa, St. Christ Church is situated in North Goa.
The Church of St. Christ or Santo Cristo is also known as Holy Christ Church. The Church was located at Vanxim, an island in Goa within a stone's throw of another island Divar. Originally the chapel was built in remote times. It was repaired in 1879. It was separated from the parish of Naroa, on which it depended and elevated into an independent parish in 1956. This island was called 'Ilha de capao' by the Portuguese. This Parish is presently looked after by the parish priest of Sao Matias, Divar.
The Church of St. Christ was constructed in Neo-Roman Style of Architecture. The facade has three storeys and two octagonal bell towers with balusters. It has a porch with tiled roof. The church building was painted with white and blue colors. The main altar is dedicated to Jesus Christ on the cross with his face glancing to the last heavenly conversation before His death.
The feast of St. Christ Church was celebrated every year on 2nd Sunday of May. Parishioners of Santo Cristo Church carry statue of Jesus carrying the cross followed by Mother Mary at Vanxim Island in Divar on this special occasion.
