Holy Cross Church, Goa

Well-known all-around Goa as Fulancho Khuris (Cross of Flowers) or the Miraculous Cross, the Holy Cross Shrine is an iconic spot in Bambolim that almost everyone crosses on the way to South Goa. Long before the Holy Cross church was built at the site, there was just a tiny cross on the side of the road. The Shrine was built recently in 1996 forming a protective barrier around the Miraculous Cross. Most people pay their respects here by offering candles, garlands of flowers, or cash.

History

The Holy Cross Church also known as Verna Church is located in Verna. Since 1568 the Church was built three times in three different places. The present church is the third one and it was built in 1612 by the Jesuits. The first church of Verna was founded in 1568 on the elevated site of a temple to the goddess Santeri. The church later moved to the site of the Hindu cemetery traditionally located on high ground. The third church that is the present one was built 100 paces from that place. There is a Catholic cemetery on the slope above the church. This cemetery was created at the time but occupies the site of the old Hindu cemetery.

Architecture

Sometime in 1995, the foundation stone for the church was laid. The Shrine of the Holy Cross was eventually built in 1996, forming what can be described as a protective barrier for the Miraculous Cross.

It’s also known as Fulancho Khuris, the cross of flowers. It has earned this name thanks to the numerous garlands of orange and yellow marigolds which are placed on it in gratitude and reverence. People pass by, sometimes stop to offer up a prayer. Others will drive by and press the horn twice in respect. This is also because the highway passing through Bambolim is also believed to be an accident-prone zone so drivers ask for safe passage with the sound of the horn.