Church Of Our Lady Of Springs
Anjadip Island has the prestige of holding the famous Church of Our Lady of Springs and the same is situated near Fort Anjediva in the Island of Anjadip, which lies in the West Coast Area of India. This comes under the management and control of Goa Government. It is interesting to note that during 1502, this Church was built as a small Chapel, however during 1506 AD was made into a concrete and permanent structure. The Church was built again in 1682 and also was re modeled in 1729. Rome has certified this church as the “Mother of Church” and an emblem and seal to this effect could be seen here.
Many people from Karwar, Binaga and other nearby villages of Goa and Karnataka visit this very old church which is situated outside Kerala State.
The main Priest of archdiocese of the Karwar took charge of the old church, which incidentally was facing Goa. However, though the Church is owned by the Goa Government, Indian Navy has taken control of the management, and has taken possession of the Island for building a Naval Base.
History
One can see the exact mixture of Indian and Portuguese culture in the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception which is said to be the very old Church in Goa, is placed in the main area of Chur Square in Panaji where the locals go regularly for prayers. Though the Church was built originally in 1540 AD, re modeling and changing the structures has taken place in 1619 AD. Interestingly the re modeling has been done keeping in mind the Church of Reis Magos in North Goa. The Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception has a tall twin towers, and the style adopted in building this is compared to the typical Portuguese decorative style and is dedicated to the Portuguese Mother Mary or “Nossa Senhora da Immaculada Conceicao”.
Restoration
People of Hindu community along with those from Christian community from Karwar, Sirsi, Binaga could restore the Church of Lady of Springs has been restored, and help out in yearly conduct of festivals. The credit of bringing the old name and fame to the Church could mainly be attributed to the Parish Priest of St Annes Church at Binaga, Fr. Britto D Silva, and the former Parish Priest Fr. Kurien, who earned the nick name and title of "Anjedivacho Pisso", due to their concerted efforts and services.
Pilgrimage
Normally, people belonging to Goan Catholics across the World, were visiting this famous Church for worshiping as Pilgrims. However, after the Indian Navy has acquired the Island for establishing a Naval Base called PROJECT SEA BIRD, issues have come up as to whether pilgrims from all parts of the world should be allowed to visit the Church or not. This is because this area is a Highly Secured Military Zone
Once the PROJECT SEA BIRD which is a naval base project was declared to be brought up in the Island, differences have crept up as to whether the pilgrims should be allowed to enter the church, due to the reason that it comes under a highly guarded SECURED HIGH SECURITY zone. Also it is learnt that a condition stipulated by Goa Government, while handing over the church to the Military personnel in December 1987 was that visitors should be allowed to visit the Church of our Lady of Springs and also the Chapel of St Francis D’Assisi on 2 Feb and 4 October, every early which are considered to be the sacred days. Rajaya Sabha MPs have also taken up the issue with the Parliament that the pilgrims be allowed to visit these two Island shrines on the above mentioned two days, however, the Navy has been reviewing the requests on a yearly basis. Restriction on number of pilgrims visiting the shrines, issue of photo ID cards to the visitors by the Government of Goa, Permission for one group to be given only once, holding of a single mass in the church are some of the solutions suggested by way of resolution to the issue.
Access
Access to the Church which is situated 4 kms south of Baticala, which is the olden Kingdom of Garsopa (which comes under today’s Karwar in Karnataka) is – Reach Karwar through National High NH 17, Reach the Sea Bird Officers Gate through the pass by route which is around 2 Kms from where ensure to reach the Church. One can take a Boat journey to reach the Church through Binga beach. In the olden days it is learnt that travel to the Church was through a Trawler which would take an hour and then engage a Canoe to reach the island.
Worship Hours
The church hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM
Photo Gallery
 |
 |
 |