- Description

The region around Colva Beach is predominantly Catholic, and there are several colonial-era churches and chapels located in the vicinity. The place is also famous for “Our Lady of Merces Church” which was founded in 1630 and rebuilt in the eighteenth century at the village square. The Merces Church houses the miraculous statue of 'Menino Jesus' and is believed to have healing powers. The highlighting feature of the Church is the infant (Menion) Jesus statue. This miraculous statue of the infant Jesus is known to grant the wishes of childless couples, answering their prayers. This statue was found by Fr. Bento Ferreira, a Jesuit priest on the Mozambique coast, He brought the statue to Goa in 1648.. Our Lady of Mercy Church celebrates the annual Fama Festival on 3rd Monday of October every year. The miracle statue is kept for public veneration and taken out from the triple locked vault only during the famous 'Fama de Menino' feast. It is one of Goa's most popular feasts.