The Church at Maina, Curtorim, is dedicated to St Rita of Cascia and the Feast of the patron saint is normally celebrated on the last Sunday of January and this year, it will be on January 25.
THE HISTORY
The church had its humble beginnings as a chapel constructed in 1782 at Maina, then forming part of the Curtorim parish. Situated about 3 kms from the main parish church, the chapel served the spiritual needs of the local Catholic population. By a provision dated June 8, 1783, the chapel was officially opened for public worship.
During the tenure of Fr Adolfo Viegas as chaplain, a cemetery was constructed in 1950, along with a small residence for the priest. A larger residence was built in 1957 and was blessed on April 7, 1957 by Archbishop Dom José Alvernaz.
On February 11, 1961, the chapel was elevated to the status of a parish church during the tenure of Archbishop of Goa Dom José Vieira Alvernaz. Fr. Adolfo Viegas, the last chaplain of the chapel, became the first parish priest of the newly erected parish.
As the Catholic population increased, the existing church structure became inadequate. To meet the growing needs of the faithful, a corridor was added to the right side of the church in 1978 during the parish tenure of Fr João Francisco Fernandes. In 1986, a Community Hall was constructed in front of the church, partially obstructing the view of the façade. The church was painted in 1992.
THE NEW CHURCH
With the passage of time, the need for a new church building became evident. Consequently, the old church was demolished in 1997. The foundation stone for the new church was laid on October 12, 1997 by Fr Victor Rodrigues, Procurator of the Archdiocese of Goa, during the tenure of Fr Diogo Fernandes as parish priest.
Upon completion, the new church was solemnly blessed and dedicated to St Rita of Cascia on May 22, 1999 by Archbishop Raul Gonsalves. Two marble plaques embedded in the front walls of the church commemorate these important milestones. The new parochial house was blessed on September 26, 1999.
Within the church compound stands a grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. The parish celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the new church building on May 22, 2024.
THE STRUCTURE
The church is of modern architectural design, incorporating subtle Neo-Gothic elements. It is a two-storey structure with two main entrances and is crowned by a belfry at its apex. The façade prominently displays an image of St Rita of Cascia encased in glass, while towers flank the structure, adding to its visual appeal and vertical emphasis.
THE ALTAR
Being a newly constructed church, it has a single liturgical altar. Behind the altar stands a striking wooden crucifix of Jesus Christ. The image of St Rita of Cascia, the patron saint, is placed to the left of the altar, while an image of St Joseph Vaz is positioned on one side. The church is further enriched by stained glass windows depicting biblical themes.
HANDI KHURIS
Located not far from the church is the miraculous Handi Khuris, a revered cross situated near the sluice gate. Its feast is celebrated on August 20. The Handi Khuris stands as a testimony to the deep faith of the local farming community and continues to attract thousands of pilgrims from across Goa who visit the site seeking divine intervention and blessings.
