St. Paul Church

St. Paul Church

St. Paul Church, as it is widely known is also called the Church of Immaculate Conception. It has both historical as well as religious importance. This magnificent building of Gothic architecture was built by the Portuguese. The foundation stone of the Church was laid on 7th April, 1601 at the time of Governor, Duarte de Melo and the Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. Manuel Fernandes. The layout plan of this awesome monument was designed by none other than a Jesuit Priest Rev. Fr. Gaspar Soares. The construction work was completed and consecrated for religious use in the year 1610. This Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.

This huge edifice as it was built to be the Seminary of the Jesuits was also known as Convert of St. Paul. The cloister of the Church was used as Seminary. It is said that the Seminarians were being prepared to work in Akbar’s Court, so Arabic was included in its syllabus. As it is an heritage building, it has much to be spoken about. The front façade is just elaborate and immediately attracts ones attention, the inside walls are curiously treated with shell like motifs perhaps to merge with the surrounding and the abundance of shells on the shores of Diu; the high vaulted stone dome is just unbelievable and make one sigh with admiration, but the treasure of the Church are the three altars including the pulpit, all made of black wood worked with great precision and craftsmanship.

The wood is believed to have been brought from Mozambique another Portuguese Colony in Africa. Further, right at the main entrance gates of the Church fixed on the inside wall are the two iconic paintings- to the left hand side depicting the birth of Jesus and to the right hand side of the wall depicting the presentation of child Jesus in the temple with Simeon the High Priest holding baby Jesus in his hands thus fulfilling the prophecy. Enthroned on the main altar is the beautiful statue of Mary the Immaculate Conception and right below is the Sanctuary of the temple, the place called Holy of Holies or the Sanctum Sanctorum. The altar to the right is consecrated to Our Lady of Rosary and below on a stand is the statue of Sacred Heart of Jesus. The statues of Sacred Heart of Mary and St. Joseph are also seen there. And the altar to left is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount and below on a stand is Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The statues of St. Anthony and St. Sebastian are also seen there. On the walls of the Church there are fourteen frames they depict the passion of Jesus, called the Way of the Cross.

The Church is considered as one of the most beautiful Portuguese Churches in India. In front of every Christian Church there is a Cross to welcome the visitors. It is the sign of Christian faith. Therefore stepping inside the campus of Church, to the left hand corner is a beautiful and delicately adorned cross in stone and masonry work which immediately attracts ones attention. It is a little marvel. To the left hand side there is a statue of Christ the King erected on a pillar and further to its corner is the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.