What began as a humble chapel at Stella Maris, Miramar, has grown into a Church shaped by people, prayer, and shared memories, its journey reflecting a quiet but profound transformation in faith
For me, Stella Maris at Miramar-Panaji has always been more than a chapel—it is a living mosaic of memories, laughter, and faith, shaping generations who have walked through its doors.
Stepping into the old sacristy as an altar boy was always a special experience; it was part of the rhythm of serving, learning, and growing. Catechism classes led by Matilda Menezes nurtured our understanding of faith, while the vibrant youth group brought energy, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
Singing in the youth choir had its own charm, even when we occasionally began on the wrong chord or beat. Alongside us stood the senior choir—Austin, Wilma, Martha Travaso, Rosy Mendonca, Alda Cardozo, Rose Alemao, and many others—whose dedication added depth and beauty to every celebration.
The list of memories is endless. Together, they form the mosaic of my growing up in the 1990s—as a child, a teenager, and young member of the Stella Maris community.
When the chapel was first consecrated in 1989, we did not have a resident priest. The chapel was initially served by Jesuits from Loyola Hall, Miramar. I fondly remember Fr Arnaut Pinto, the first chaplain—a simple, humble priest. Fr Arnaut was instrumental in forming the Stella Maris altar servers’ group and introduced a card recognition system to encourage us to serve regularly. What stood out most was his openness—he would warmly invite us to serve even if we arrived a little late for Mass.
During those years, Fr Arnaut ensured we attended the Jesuit camps at Loyola Hall, led by young Jesuits like Fr Cedric and Fr Cecil—experiences that remain etched in memory and helped shape our young faith.
Alongside Fr Arnaut were other inspiring Jesuits who enriched our spiritual journey. Fr Ronny played a key role in nurturing the charismatic movement within the chapel. We were also blessed with Fr Pratap Naik, with his pure and beautifully articulated Konkani Masses.
Priests who served Stella Maris continued to guide us in different ways. Fr Vasco Rego, a stalwart Jesuit of Konkani language, patiently taught us to read in Konkani and was always there whenever we struggled with questions of faith. Fr Mousinho de Ataide offered unwavering encouragement, especially when we introduced ‘Youth Bits’, the first youth bulletin, and organised events like ‘Mrs Miramar 2000’. He would generously open the chapel hall for our practices—even at the cost of his afternoon rest.
As we grew, the youth group ‘Alabare,’ formed in the 1990s under the guidance of Ancy Figueiredo—our ‘Aunty Ancy’—became the heartbeat of our youth. She was more than a coordinator; she was a mentor and guide. Those years were filled with unforgettable experiences: youth fetes at Miramar Beach, Hotel El Paso, and the London Hotel; visits to old age homes; participation in Diocesan Youth Day; retreats, treasure hunts, jumble sales, and Christmas carol singing.
We even organised events like senior citizens’ dance evenings and sang as a youth choir at Kala Academy under the leadership of Linda Lopes. Each of these moments strengthened our bonds, deepened our friendships, and rooted our faith more firmly in community life.
As I left home in the early 2000s, Stella Maris remained close to my heart. The experiences I had there—shaped by both people and moments—stayed with me over the years. Whenever I returned on holidays to visit my parents, it was a joy to see the chapel so lovingly and pastorally cared for. I witnessed the dedication of many wonderful priests—Fr Robin, Fr Kenneth, Fr Simplicio, Fr Daniel, Fr Barry, and now the joyful and charismatic Fr Zeferino—who serves the community with love and commitment.
Equally inspiring has been the devotion of countless laity, who continue to care for the chapel through cleaning, reading during Mass, singing in the choir, coordinating SVP activities, leading zonal groups, and many other acts of service. Together, priests and laity have nurtured a vibrant, living community of faith.
The transition of Stella Maris from a chapel to a parish is more than a change in title—it is a recognition of the living, breathing community that has grown here. Its true significance has never been in walls or status—it lies in its people, in every individual who has walked through its doors, sat in its pews, served, prayed, laughed, and grown together in faith.
And that is what will always make Stella Maris truly sacred.
