St Thomas Church: 425 glorious years

SANDHYA A FERNANDES

And so, it came to pass that the original Church which was given birth by the early Franciscans at a Chapel in Coimavaddo, was later moved to a different site where it still stands today, an imposing and grand edifice that has been periodically maintained to perfection.

Named after St Thomas who had been chosen to future the cause of Christianity in India, the impressive Church bell situated in the right tower is a constant reminder of the time it rang to alert the villagers of invading robbers’ way back in 1895. 

The story of how this attempt to plunder was thwarted by the villagers, and the vision of a guardian angel that barred the plunderers from proceeding is as famous as the "Choranchem Fest" that is celebrated each year in gratitude to St Thomas.

To cater to its large and widespread flock the Church is ably supported by three chapels, namely the Chapel of Piedade Saibin in Quitla, the Sta Rita Chapel in Carona and the Mae De Deus Chapel in Corjuem, which all have their own in-house Chaplains. 

There are also the Fransalian Fathers of St Thomas School, an integral part of Aldona, who support the Church with regular masses at the Home for the Aged, the Rosa Mystica Convent and the Holy Cross Chapel in Panarim. To oversee the Administration and maintenance of the Church, the Fabrica has done its job with diligence till date.

As the organizational structure of the Diocese grew, the formation of the Parish Council was introduced, and St Thomas Church was the second in our Diocese to have its own Parish Council formed in 1979. 

Over the last 41 years the Council has evolved to become an important and executive arm of the Aldona Church. Through this body the Church has excelled in organizing faith formation programmes like retreats, intercessory prayers, processions, Christmas programmes and liturgical activities right through the years. 

The construction of the Parish Center, a two storeyed building with shops on the lower and upper ground floor has provided ample space for enterprising parishioners to carry out their trade of service under one roof. And the spacious Hall on the first floor is the main venue for all indoor parish activities, meetings and conferences. The Christmas programmes that started off with entertainment activities by the various wards on each day of the Christmas week, has now given way to the Family Day programme, a one day fellowship where the entire parish gather together for an evening of games entertainment and togetherness. 

Even the fellowship dinner to follow was once prepared by parishioners themselves. These get-togethers and fun fairs were not just limited to Christmas time but have been happening at feast times too.

In 1990, the Diocese proposed the formation of the small Christian communities which arguably is the best development to have happened to the parishes. And the St Thomas Parish rose to the occasion on this count. Forming Somudais in every ward gave opportunity to every member of the parish, no matter how meek or mild to voice opinion or share sorrow. To partake in organizing various activities and reach out to the needy. The idea of being Church in the neighbourhood and helping one another 24x7 within the community has today resulted in the extended family feeling within some Somudais that have grown closer. As once emphasised by a priest" The SCCs are the key to a close-knit Christian Society that emulate the desirable behaviour of the early Christians."

The birth of the Sant Tomecho Sad (The Voice of St Thomas) a monthly parish bulletin in 1978 was the beginning of a new chapter in the medium of information. A wise initiative, this informative magazine quickly caught on and is today an important lifeline of communication in the parish. Here even those who don't use mobiles and telephones can still stay abreast of the latest happenings in the church. This vibrant bulletin that has improved in leaps and bounds over the years, today informs its readership of the upcoming masses for the month, births, deaths and marriages within the parish, activities upcoming and held with photographic support, and informative articles.

The role of the Church was not just limited to religious life only but was active in civil society too. The land on which the village market stands was leased out by the Church while the well-known and popular Aldona Institute was also possible thanks to the Church land given on long lease. Similarly, the Children's Park and the areas adjoining the market are all enjoyed by the villagers till date thanks to the concern of the Church.

The far reach of the Church can also be seen in the various Associations that operate under its umbrella. The St Vincent de Paul with its aid to the poor, the Legion of Mary with its silent and anonymous visits to the old and sick, and the Charismatic prayer group that brings solace to those in search of Christ. All examples of the growth of Christian life in this village. In recent years the social action cell and the Family Service Cell has also joined in service while the Dadleancho Zomo is a force to depend on. Here the menfolk of the parish are quick to lend their able hands to ensure the success of every activity undertaken. The liturgical cell serves as a guide to those incharge of the masses. Youth cell of the church shoulder the responsibilities assigned to them laying a strong foundation for the future. Spiritual growth is what they look for. The Confraria now admit even women to their fold. The work done by them deserves appreciation too.

The Sunday School managed by the Catechists deserves a special mention for its priceless service. And the Catechism children, a flock that is moving in the right direction. Not just limited to Bible study, these children of the parish partake in activities all through the year where they have ample opportunity, to test their talents and develop good Christian behaviour. The Catechists who are all working women and men, sacrifice a lot of their quality time for the love of Christ and His children, and the Holy Innocents Class for the tiny tots is a shining example of the Spirit that fills the little ones, as they look forward to learning every Sunday.

"Cleanliness is next to Godliness" and the weekly Church Cleaning by the parishioners through the respective Somudais is a step in the right direction.

Every act of modesty and humility at church time is seen as a reflection of our acceptance of Christ and every act of adherence to the simple rules of the Church is seen as our cheerful obedience, to our obligation, to our Church. And so, it lives on......

The Church of St Thomas set on the Tercena hillock and facing the Corjuem River, has stood 425 years. And it's happened not just because of the structure itself, but more so because of the countless number of priests, nuns, vicars, chaplains, associations and laity, who have and will dedicate their service without expectations, so that we can go to meet God at a place that we call "Our Church".

Yes! The Church of St Thomas in Aldona. It's not just an institution, it’s a Movement following Christ.

• The Church is all set to celebrate the 425 fruitful years under the able leadership of the Parish Vicar Fr Tomas Lobo, Asst Parish priest Fr Michael Fernandes and Fr Justino Luciano Fernandes. The theme for the jubilee year is “Loved by the father, sent by the son, renewed by the spirit, the church on mission.” 

• The inaugural mass for the jubilee celebration of the 425 years of faith witness of St Thomas Church will be held on January 3 at 9 am. The main celebrant for the mass will be Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop Patriarch of Goa and Daman.

• Due to the pandemic, the Eucharistic celebration will have limited attendance and will be telecast live on CCRTV.