Our Lady of Miracles Church in Sirsaim is the parish church of the village and one of the more recent parish churches in the Tivim area. It began as a chapel, grew into a parish, and still serves a modest Catholic community today.
Basic profile
- Location: Sirsaim, Tivim, Bardez taluka, North Goa, India 403502.
- Dedication: Our Lady of Miracles.
- Portuguese name: Nossa Senhora dos Milagres Igreja em Sirsaim, Goa.
- Popular name: The Sirsaim Church.
- Parish size: Around 350 Catholics.
History
The church began as a chapel built in 1855 by the Communidade of Sirsaim. It was originally affiliated to the parish of Tivim.
The façade of the chapel was rebuilt in 1872, and the chapel was later raised to the status of a parish church in 1977. That change gave Sirsaim its own parish identity after many years as a dependent chapel.
Parish life
The parish is small, but it is active and closely connected to village life. The church serves the Catholic families of Sirsaim and supports regular worship, catechism and local celebrations.
The parish also has a school presence in the area, which helps keep the church closely tied to daily village life.
Feast and devotion
The feast of Our Lady of Miracles is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of May every year. It is the main feast of the parish and the day most closely linked with the church’s identity.
Masses, novenas and parish gatherings continue to mark the feast and give the parish its rhythm through the year.
Church building
The present church has the feel of a simple village parish church. It carries the memory of the old chapel while serving as the present centre of worship for the community.
The church grounds are also used for parish gatherings and school-related activity, which keeps the place active beyond Sunday Mass.
Address
- Address: Our Lady of Miracles Church, Sirsaim, Tivim, Goa 403502.
Present significance
Today, Our Lady of Miracles Church at Sirsaim remains a living parish with a small but steady Catholic community. Its chapel origin, 1977 parish status and May feast make it a meaningful church in the Tivim area.