We were going for a family wedding and it was my first visit to Church of Our Lady de Penha de Franca in Britonia, Goa. Goa's churches are outstandingly beautiful, with some to rival any in Europe and this is one of them.
Popularly used for conducting marriage ceremonies and other religious events the historic church also offers an impressive view from the riverside. I did not realise its position till we walked out of the service to the wide expanse of the sea to one side.
A yacht slid by as we stood watching the waves gently slap against the walls surrounding the church. A gentle breeze lifted my hair and the light teal blue dress I wore as my eyes looked out to sea. All around guests to the wedding were snapping selfies as they stood on the steep laterite steps.
The inside of the church has been maintained and thankfully not modernised. We sat next to a beautiful side altar with St Francis Xaviers statue prominently in it. Carved in wood it showcased the skills of the artisans who built these churches.
I remember the pulpit in St Patrick's Church in Bangalore as a child. It was similarly carved like the picture above and sadly don't know what the authorities have done with it. By the time I attended church as a child, the priest stood at the altar and preached and not in the pulpit.
Just look at that breathtaking side of the building where probably all the priests live. The water body is filled with pink water lillies and we all just stood gaping at the calm scene. So many guests had arrived from Bangalore and stood taking in the beauty of the entire church.
But the most beautiful part of the entire church is the altar. Its outstanding with its gold patina and elegant finish, it kept us riveted through the service.
Go visit the church if you are holidaying in Goa. Spend a few quiet hours there and I'm sure you will come back refreshed and happy just being in the presence of God.
