Our Lady Mother of the Poor Church in Tilamola is one of the largest parish churches in interior South Goa. It has a long chapel history, a strong parish identity, and a wide community that has grown around its Marian devotion and educational work.
Basic profile
- Location: Tilamola, Quepem, Goa 403705.
- Dedication: Our Lady Mother of the Poor.
- Portuguese name: Nossa Senhora Mae dos Pobres Igreja em Tilamola, Goa.
- Popular name: The Tilamola Church.
- Parish size: Around 6,300 Catholics.
History
The Tilamola church originally belonged to the parish of Zambaulim. After the suppression of the Zambaulim parish in 1858, it was transferred to the newly created parish of Sanguem. In 1880, it became a separate parish in its own right.
The church began as a humble chapel in the latter part of the 17th century and was later elevated in 1870. Over time, it also served as a military chapel before becoming a fully independent parish. This long progression shows how the church developed alongside the growth of the local Catholic community.
Today’s parish history includes rebuilding, later renovations, and the expansion of parish institutions that have helped make Tilamola an important church in Quepem taluka.
Parish life
The parish has around 6,300 Catholics and is one of the largest rural parishes in the region. It is served by the Daughters of the Cross of Liège, who are based at Priti Kiran in Xeldem, Quepem.
The parish also runs Our Lady Mother of the Poor High School, which plays an important role in the education of local children. The church therefore functions not only as a place of worship but also as a centre of formation and community life.
Because of its size, the parish is active throughout the year with liturgical celebrations, catechesis, school events, and devotional gatherings.
Feast and devotion
The feast of Our Lady Mother of the Poor is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year. It is the main feast of the parish and the largest annual celebration in the church calendar.
The title “Mother of the Poor†gives the parish a special pastoral meaning, emphasizing care, compassion, and support for those in need. The feast is a strong expression of that devotion and of the parish’s place in the local community.
Note: The church is often referred to locally simply as the Tilamola Church, showing how closely it is tied to the village identity.
Church building
The present church building was developed later than the original chapel and now serves the needs of a large parish population. It is a substantial parish church rather than a small local chapel, but it still keeps the devotional spirit of its early origins.
The building and parish campus provide space for worship, school activities, and parish meetings. It stands as a clear landmark in Tilamola and one of the most important religious structures in the area.
Its identity combines heritage, education, and a strong Marian devotion.
Address
- Address: Our Lady Mother of the Poor Church, Tilamola, Quepem, Goa 403705.
Present significance
Today, Our Lady Mother of the Poor Church at Tilamola remains a major parish church with a large and active Catholic community. Its chapel origins, 1880 parish status, and strong educational mission make it one of the most important churches in interior South Goa.
For the people of Tilamola, it is both a parish home and a sign of care for the poor and the wider community.