Our Lady of Flight Church in Cunchelim is the parish church of the village and one of the more distinctive churches around Mapusa. It began as a chapel, grew into a parish and has a long local devotion that still draws people of different backgrounds.
Basic profile
- Location: Cunchelim, Mapusa, Bardez taluka, North Goa, India 403507.
- Dedication: Our Lady of Flight.
- Portuguese name: Nossa Senhora da Fuga Igreja em Cunchelim, Goa.
- Popular name: The Cunchelim Church.
- Parish size: Around 570 Catholics.
History
The church began as a small chapel built in remote times. In 1847 a provision was granted for its elevation, and it was originally attached to the parish of Mapusa.
On 30 October 1977 the chapel was elevated to a separate parish church, giving Cunchelim its own parish identity. The church was renovated and inaugurated again in April 2019.
Parish life
The parish is small but active. It serves the Catholic families of Cunchelim and is also known for people coming to the church regardless of caste or creed, because of the long local devotion linked to the church.
The parish is closely tied to village life, catechism, and regular worship, and it remains an important part of the Cunchelim area.
Feast and devotion
The feast of Our Lady of Flight is celebrated on the second Sunday of May every year. The parish feast is known for lasting several days and for drawing many people to the church.
The bell-tolling pattern used for the Angelus is a notable local custom that has remained part of the church’s prayer life for many years.
Church building
The church has a simple village-parish character and carries the memory of the old chapel. The renovated building keeps the same spirit of devotion while offering a more comfortable space for worship.
A plaque noting benefactors from Iran is one of the special details connected with the church’s history.
Address
- Address: Our Lady of Flight Church, Cunchelim, Mapusa, Goa 403507.
Present significance
Today, Our Lady of Flight Church at Cunchelim remains a living parish with a strong local identity. Its chapel origin, 1977 parish status and May feast make it one of the best-known churches in the Mapusa area.