Also known as Our Lady, Star of the Sea
Overview
Stella Maris Church at Miramar is a modern parish church in the capital area of Goa, serving a growing Catholic community in the Miramar residential belt. It is dedicated to Our Lady, Star of the Sea, a title traditionally associated with Mary as guide and protector of the faithful.
History
The community began as Stella Maris Chapel, established under St. Inez Parish in 1989 and blessed and inaugurated on 30 May 1989. Over the years, the chapel grew in both spirit and numbers as the Miramar community expanded.
On 15 April 2026, the chapel was elevated to the status of a parish church and became the parish church of the new parish of Miramar. This made Stella Maris Church the 175th parish of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
Community
The parish serves families living in the Miramar area near Panaji, close to the mouth of the River Mandovi and the Arabian Sea. Its community life reflects the character of a coastal urban parish, with strong devotion, active participation, and regular liturgical life.
The church remains closely linked to the St. Inez deanery and the broader Catholic life of Panaji.
Dedication and meaning
The title Stella Maris means “Star of the Sea.†It is a traditional Marian title that expresses the belief that Mary guides and protects believers, especially in life’s difficult journeys. In a coastal setting like Miramar, the title carries special meaning for the local faithful.
Note: The church gained parish status in April 2026, so it is one of the newest parish churches in Goa.
Address
- Church: Stella Maris Church.
- Place: Miramar, Panaji, Goa.
Present significance
Today, Stella Maris Church stands as an important spiritual centre for Miramar, marking the growth of a chapel community into a full parish. It is both a sign of local devotion and a milestone in the continuing expansion of the Church in the Panaji area.