Our History
Centuries of faith, community, and devotion — the story of St. Anne Church, Olaulim, Goa.
The historic legacy of St. Anne Church in Olaulim
A Chapel Built in Faith
Nestled amid the serene landscape of Olaulim in North Goa, St. Anne Church — known in Portuguese as Santa Ana Igreja em Olaulim — traces its roots to 1752, when a modest chapel dedicated to St. Anne was first established.
St. Anne, revered as the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ, became the patroness of a growing Christian community. The original chapel was blessed in 1752 and formally dedicated the following year.
The Confraria (Brotherhood) of St. Anne was formed in 1784, strengthening parish life and devotion. For generations, the chapel served as the spiritual heart of Olaulim under the pastoral care of the Parish of Pomburpa.
St. Anne Church, Olaulim as it stands today
Building the Present Church
As the Catholic community of Olaulim grew, the old chapel could no longer serve the faithful adequately. Land for the new church was generously donated by members of the Pinto family, and construction began in the early twentieth century.
The foundation stone was laid in 1916 during a ceremony attended by village leaders and parishioners. Local tradition says that important documents, signatures of notable villagers, a cross, and commemorative coins were placed in a sealed container beneath the foundation.
The present church was completed in 1918 through the dedicated labour and sacrifice of village families. A stone cross at the church entrance still marks the site of the original eighteenth-century chapel, preserving the memory of the first house of worship.
A side view of St. Anne Church, Olaulim
Parish Life and Tradition
On May 7, 1985, St. Anne Church was elevated from filial chapel to independent parish, marking a new chapter for Olaulim's Catholic community. The change recognized the parish's spiritual maturity and deep-rooted devotion.
The parish has been supported by the Comunidade of Olaulim and has long been known for strong priestly and religious vocations, including clergy who have served in India and abroad. The Feast of St. Anne remains the parish's most cherished celebration.
Today, St. Anne Church continues to welcome worshippers and visitors alike, preserving its heritage while inspiring future generations to carry forward a mission of prayer, service, and community unity.
Timeline of St. Anne Church, Olaulim
The first Chapel of St. Anne was blessed in Olaulim, establishing a place of worship for the growing Catholic community.
The chapel was formally dedicated to St. Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Confraria (Brotherhood) of St. Anne was established, strengthening parish life and devotion.
The foundation stone for the present church was laid, with signatures, coins, and a cross sealed beneath it.
The present church building was completed through the generosity and labour of the people of Olaulim.
St. Anne Church was elevated to the status of an independent parish.
The faithful celebrated around 350 years of the Chapel of St. Anne and the enduring legacy of Christianity in Olaulim.