Churches of Goa

St Cajetan Church, Bastora

Parish profile, church history, and devotional notes gathered for FaithfulPassage.

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St Cajetan Church in Bastora is the parish church of the village and one of the important churches in Bardez. It began as a small chapel, grew into a parish and continues to serve a lively Catholic community.

Basic profile

  • Location: Bastora village, Bardez taluka, North Goa, India 403507.
  • Dedication: St Cajetan.
  • Portuguese name: Sao Caetano Igreja em Bastora, Goa.
  • Popular name: The Bastora Church.
  • Parish size: Around 1,750 Catholics.

History

The church began as a primitive chapel built by provision on 22 November 1752. It was first attached to the parish of Ucassaim and later became a parish church in 1947.

The church and parochial house were fully renovated in 2006, giving the parish a refreshed appearance while keeping its older identity.

Parish life

The parish is cared for by the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales, who are based at SFS Institute in Bastora. Their presence gives the parish a strong pastoral structure.

In addition to the main church, the parish has two chapels under its care: St Anthony’s Chapel at Santa Cruz vaddo and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at Bela Vista vaddo.

Feast and devotion

The feast of St Cajetan is celebrated on 7 August every year. It is the main feast of the parish, even though the saint’s liturgical feast is also remembered in the wider Church on the same date.

The parish celebrates with Mass, prayer and community gatherings, and the feast remains an important date in Bastora village life.

Church building

The church is built in Mannerist Neo-Roman style and is not very large, because it began as a chapel. Its simple masonry and balanced façade give it a calm and dignified presence.

During the silver jubilee in 1972, a stone was placed in the church wall to mark the parish’s history.

Address

  • Address: St Cajetan Church, Bastora, Mapusa, Goa 403507.

Present significance

Today, St Cajetan Church at Bastora remains a living parish church with a distinct village identity. Its 1752 chapel origin, 1947 parish status and 2006 renovation make it one of the notable churches in the Bastora area.