St Blaise Church in São Brás, Gandaulim, is one of Goa’s most unusual historic churches because of its strong connection to Croatia and Dubrovnik. Also known as Sao Bras Church, it stands on a hill near Old Goa and preserves a rare international chapter in Goan Catholic history.
Basic profile
- Location: São Brás, Gandaulim, Goa 403107.
- Dedication: St Blaise.
- Portuguese name: Igreja de Sao Bras.
- Popular name: The Sao Bras Church.
- Parish size: Around 300 Catholics.
History
The church began as a chapel built in 1541 by Croatian sailors and traders who settled in the village. It was elevated to parish status in 1563, and the present structure is a replica of the church of St Blaise in Dubrovnik.
The church is tied to the historic Ragusan or Croatian colony of Sao Braz, which once had a much larger population. Over time, the church became the surviving symbol of that community’s presence in Goa.
Its history makes it one of the most distinctive churches in the state, not only because of its age but also because of its unusual cultural origin.
Parish life
The parish has around 300 Catholics today. It covers the villages of Gandaulim and part of Daujim, and it remains a small but active Catholic community.
Parish life is simple and local, centered on worship, feast celebration, and memory of the village’s foreign-linked heritage. The church is also a point of interest for historians and visitors.
Its Croatian connection gives the parish a unique identity within Goa.
Feast and devotion
The feast of St Blaise is celebrated on 3 February every year. It is the principal feast of the parish and the main liturgical celebration in the village.
St Blaise is venerated as a protector of the throat, and the feast often includes the Blessing of Throats, a tradition tied to his saintly patronage. This devotional focus remains central to parish identity.
Note: The church also has three other local feasts each year: Our Lady of Good Health, Our Lady of Victory, and Santa Luzia.
Church building
The church sits on a hilltop in Gandaulim and is a replica of the St Blaise church in Dubrovnik. Its layout and appearance reflect the community’s origin story and its connection to the city of Ragusa, now Dubrovnik.
The belfry contains two bells, one of which reportedly came from the ruins of Santa Luzia in Daujim. The hill setting and compact form give the church a quiet but striking presence.
It is one of the most unusual heritage churches in Goa because of both its architecture and its story.
Address
- Address: St Blaise Church, São Brás, Gandaulim, Goa 403107.
Present significance
Today, St Blaise Church at São Brás remains a small parish with a remarkable global history. Its 1541 chapel origin, 1563 parish status, and Dubrovnik-inspired form make it one of Goa’s most distinctive churches.
For the people of Gandaulim, it is both a parish home and a lasting reminder of Goa’s Croatian connection.