St Anne Church in Parra is the parish church of the village and one of the older churches in Bardez. It has a long Franciscan past and still serves the Catholic families of Parra, Canca and Verla.
Basic profile
- Location: Parra village, Bardez taluka, North Goa, India 403510.
- Dedication: St Anne.
- Portuguese name: Santa Ana Igreja em Parra, Goa.
- Popular name: The Parra Church.
- Parish size: Around 4,000 Catholics.
History
The church was established between 1650 and 1653 and was affiliated to the parish of Nagoa. It first served the villages of Parra, Canca and Verla as part of a Franciscan rectorate.
The first church at Parra was burnt down by the Marathas in 1683. It was rebuilt in 1688 and has remained the parish church ever since.
Over time the church was improved by later parish priests. A cemetery was added in 1858, and further work in the early twentieth century brought new tiles, a new pulpit and a parochial house.
Parish life
The parish is still active and covers the villages of Parra, Canca and Verla. It is one of the important Catholic centres in the Bardez coastal belt.
The parish has both religious and community life, with chapels and village traditions closely connected to the church.
Feast and devotion
The feast of St Anne is celebrated on the Sunday on or after 26 July every year. It remains the main parish feast and a major village celebration.
In 1947 the church was also dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, so both St Anne and Our Lady of Fatima are part of the church’s devotional life.
Church building
The church has a traditional Goan parish style and carries the memory of its Franciscan beginnings. Inside, the main altar is dedicated to St Anne, and other altars honour St Pedro de Alcantara and Our Lady of Good Death.
Outside the church are the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and several painted devotional panels that are well remembered by parishioners.
Chapel network
The parish includes chapels such as Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel in Verla and Our Lady of Piety Chapel in Parra.
Address
- Address: St Anne Church, Parra, Goa 403510.
Present significance
Today, St Anne Church at Parra remains a living parish church with a strong village identity. Its 1650s foundation, 1688 rebuilding and July feast make it one of the historic churches in Bardez.