Our Lady of Succour Church in Socorro is the parish church of the village and one of the older churches in the Porvorim area. It has a long Franciscan history and remains an important parish for Catholics living in and around Socorro.
Basic profile
- Location: Socorro, Porvorim, Bardez taluka, North Goa, India 403501.
- Dedication: Our Lady of Succour.
- Portuguese name: Nossa Senhora do Socorro Igreja em Socorro, Goa.
- Popular name: The Socorro Church.
- Parish size: Around 4,400 Catholics.
History
The church was built in 1667 as the third parish church to be established within the original parish of Serula. It was built with funds raised by the parishioners and soon became the centre of Christian life in the village.
The church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1763 as the parish grew. The present structure dates from that rebuilding, and the church has remained an important parish centre ever since.
Parish life
The parish is a large and active one. It covers Socorro and nearby areas and continues to play a major role in the religious life of the region.
The parish also has several chapels under its care, which helps it serve the wider community around Alto Porvorim and the old Serula area.
Feast and devotion
The feast of Our Lady of Succour is celebrated on the third Sunday of November every year. It is the main feast of the parish and draws parishioners together in large numbers.
The church is also known locally for its devotion to Our Lady of Help, which gives the parish its Portuguese name and its long-standing identity.
Church building
The church has a Mannerist Neo-Roman style and is one of the most notable churches in the Porvorim–Socorro belt. It has a calm and dignified appearance, with an old-world parish character.
Inside the church are altars and furnishings that came from the Oratorian convent of Cruz dos Milagres at Old Goa, which adds to its historical value.
Address
- Address: Our Lady of Succour Church, Socorro, Porvorim, Goa 403501.
Present significance
Today, Our Lady of Succour Church at Socorro remains a major parish church in North Goa. Its 1667 foundation, 1763 rebuilding and November feast make it one of the historic churches of the area.