Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

Founded: before 1565Â Â Â Feast: 2nd Sunday of November

History: The Church of Our Lady of Help was erected by Portuguese sailors in thanksgiving for surviving shipwreck. The Church was already a parish before 1565. On the night of 15th March 1554, when the body of St. Francis was brought from Malaca to the City of Goa (Old Goa), the Sacred Body was removed from the ship anchored in the river Mandovi and kept in the primitive church of Ribandar and venerated there. The next day the Body was received in the City with great solemnity.

Architectural notes:

• Early Mannerist Neo-Roman style
• Large size, 4 bays x 3 storeys
• Peaked gable façade with oculus
• Insignia of ‘HIS’ at gable apex
• Unbroken pilaster for height of two storeys
• Large three-storeyed bell tower to the right
• Prominent porch with arches and ball finials