St Anne Church in Olaulim is the parish church of the village and one of the well-loved churches in Bardez. It began as a small chapel, grew into a parish, and continues to be an important part of village life.
Basic profile
- Location: Olaulim village, Bardez taluka, North Goa, India 403523.
- Dedication: St Anne.
- Portuguese name: Santa Ana Igreja em Olaulim, Goa.
- Popular name: The Olaulim Church.
- Parish size: Around 874 Catholics.
History
The church began as a chapel built in 1752. At first it was attached to the parish of Pomburpa. Later, the chapel was raised to a separate parish on 7 May 1985, giving Olaulim its own parish identity.
The present church building was completed in 1918. That means the parish has a history that stretches from a simple village chapel to a full parish church with a long-standing local following.
Village setting
Olaulim is a quiet village, and the church stands as one of its main landmarks. At the entrance, a cross marks the site where the old chapel once stood, so the village still remembers its beginnings.
The church remains closely tied to everyday village life, with families from Olaulim and nearby places gathering there for worship and parish events.
Feast and parish life
The parish feast of St Anne is celebrated on 7 May every year. It is the main celebration of the parish and a time when the village comes together in prayer and festivity.
Regular Sunday Mass and weekday services keep the church active through the year, not just during the feast season.
Clergy and parish care
The parish is served by resident parish priests, and recent parish life has continued under active pastoral care. The church has also kept a strong sense of parish community through catechism, liturgy and local celebrations.
Address
- Address: St Anne Church, Olaulim, Bardez, Goa 403523.
Present significance
Today, St Anne Church at Olaulim remains a living parish with a clear village identity. Its long history, modest setting and May feast make it an important part of life in Olaulim.