Se Cathedral
| Location | Old Goa, India |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Dedication | Catherine of Alexandria |
| Diocese | Diocese of Goa and Daman |
| Province | Goa |
The Se Cathedral is the chapel of St Catherine and St Catherine’s Cathedral and belongs to the Churches Latin rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese era situated at Goa and Daman and is the famous place of East Indies devotees. It was established by the Portuguese Viceroy, and happens to be the biggest Church of Asia, and is devoted to Catherine of Alexandria and also happens to be the much celebrated sacred place in Goa.
History
If we turn the pages, we can draw reference to the olden periods of Dominicans, who were the first to visit India from Portuguese. This Church has very high ceilings and is most appealing, and the Famous Engineers Ambrosio Argueiro and Julio Simao take the credit for its planning and construction.
The story behind this Cathedral goes like this. Portuguese lead by Afonso de Albuquerque won their battle against a Muslim Army and thus could capture the City of Goa in 1510, also the victory day happened to be the festival of Saint Catherine, her memories, led to the construction of this Cathedral. This happens to be a super structure built by Governnor George Cabral in 1551 on an old structure. The original church built was started in 1562, during the regime of King Dom Sebastiao and completed in 1619 to be sanctified in 1640. Though initially there were two Towers, one got destroyed in 1776 which was constructed afresh.
Architecture
An elevated portion of the late rite with lime plastering holds the Cathedral. The Cathedral stands on a raised plinth of laterite plastered with lime. Corinthian, with huge Pillars support the roof which is ribbed and methodologically designed, with choir, adorns the inner portion of the cathedral. The external portions are covered with Tuscan and measures 250 and 181 feet in length and breadth respectively.
Building of the Cathedral was commenced in the year 1562 while the King Dom Sebastio was ruling. The King also duly passed on orders to his legal entities for monetarily assisting the work from the Kingdom’s exchequer. In fact, the Cathedral has been built, through the sale proceeds of the properties which were under Government’s control. The right side of the entrance which has the Baptismal Font –Circa 1532 has two statues of St Francis Xavier and it was for the first time ever that this St Francis Xavier’s holy remaining was displayed in the Se Cathedral.
Inside the Cathedral
The GOLDEN BELL, with its huge tone, adores the Se Cathedral's tower and happens to be the biggest in Goa as also the world best. The main shrine is in memory of Catherine of Alexandria, and one can see many good old paintings on both of its sides. The right side shows the Chapel of Crossof Miracles, and it is believed that a glimpse of Christ appeared in 1919. One can also see the happenings in the life of Sait Catherine duly carved in the panels which number around six. The upper portion of the shrine contains big gilded reredos. A Baptismal type set which was made out in 1532 and used by his holiness Saint Francis Xavier, of Goa, for baptizing many people of Goa while converting, can also be seen in the Se Cathedral Church.
Worship Timings
The Cathedral functions during the period 7:30am to 6:00pm. It is suggested that one can enjoy the best climates during November and February and make plans to visit the Shrine.
Photo Gallery
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