St Clara Church in Assonora is the parish church of the village and one of the important churches in the north of Bardez. It has Franciscan roots, a steady parish life and a feast that remains important for the local Catholic community.
Basic profile
- Location: Assonora village, Bardez taluka, North Goa, India 403503.
- Dedication: St Clare of Assisi.
- Portuguese name: Santa Clara Igreja em Assonora, Goa.
- Popular name: The Assonora Church.
- Parish size: Around 2,300 Catholics.
History
The church began as a chapel built in 1781 by the Franciscan friars. It was first linked to the parish of Tivim and later became a full parish church on 18 October 1805.
The parish has seen rebuilding and repair over time. The church, cemetery and parish hall have all been improved at different points, showing that the parish has always been cared for by local families and clergy.
Patron and devotion
The church is dedicated to St Clare of Assisi, the Franciscan saint known for her simple life and close friendship with St Francis of Assisi. In Assonora, the devotion to St Clare has become part of the parish’s own identity.
The main altar is dedicated to Santa Clara, and the church has five altars in total, making the interior important for both worship and parish tradition.
Feast and parish life
The parish feast is celebrated on the second Saturday of May every year. It is one of the main events of the parish calendar and is marked by liturgy, prayer and community gathering.
The church is also known for Friday healing services and youth retreats, which draw many people from the parish and from nearby places.
Church building
The present church has a traditional Goan church façade and stands as a familiar landmark in Assonora. It is not a large city church, but it has a solid, well-kept presence that fits the village setting.
The parish hall and cemetery have both been updated over the years, showing that the church continues to grow with the needs of the community.
Clergy and parish office
The parish is served by resident clergy and parish staff, and the church maintains regular office hours during the week. The parish remains active both in worship and in day-to-day administration.
Address
- Address: St Clara Church, Assonora, Bardez, Goa 403503.
Present significance
Today, St Clara Church at Assonora remains a living parish with a strong village identity. Its Franciscan history, May feast and active devotional life make it one of the notable churches in Bardez.