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From Humble Beginnings to a Vibrant Parish


Our Lady of Flight Church, Cunchelim, Goa is called ‘Nossa Senhora da Fuga Igreja em Cunchelim, Goa’ in Portuguese.

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Catholicism is believed to have reached Cunchelim around 1594. Once known for its rice fields and coconut plantations, the village’s Catholic community gathered at the St. Joseph Chapel. Under successive chaplains, the chapel was renovated, a protective terrace added, and a portico built. These developments strengthened the community and laid the foundation for the growth of the present parish.


On October 30, 1977, the St. Joseph Chapel, formerly affiliated with St. Jerome Parish, Mapusa, became an independent parish under Rev. Fr. José João Ramiro Mascarenhas, named Our Lady of Flight (Nossa Senhora da Fuga). The inaugural Eucharist was celebrated by Archbishop Raul Gonsalves, with the choir trained by Fr. Savio da Gama. This milestone strengthened the community’s identity, faith, and unity.
Marcus D’Souza, a Cunchelim native working in Iran, secured generous donations from Persian Muslims, helping the parish achieve financial stability. Benefactors, including C. M. Martins, Dr. Luis Xavier D’Silva, and Lily D’Mello, also donated land for the church. Marble inscriptions honour these contributions, reflecting a legacy of faith, generosity, and unity beyond borders and religions.
Following its elevation in 1977, the parish began solemnising marriages, marking a new chapter in its sacramental life.

Early couples included Anthony Marian and Rita Mendes (Sector 1), Anthony Inas and Liban Fernandes (Sector 3), Rudolf and Lira Fernandes (Sector 7), Caitan and Rita Fernandes (Sector 4), and Elias and Joanita D’Souza (Sector 2).

Their unions and generations of baptisms, First Holy Communions, and confirmations reflect the enduring faith of Our Lady of Flight Church.

Past Priests

  • Fr Jose Joao Ramiro Fernandes Mascarenhas

    01-01-1977 → 01-01-1979

  • Fr Leandro Domingos Martinho de Souza

    01-01-1979 → 01-01-1980

  • Fr Domingos Jose Francisco de Aleluia e Souza

    01-01-1980 → 01-01-1982

  • Fr Alipio Assunção Mascarenhas

    01-01-1982 -> 01-01-1990

  • Fr Custodio Simao Almeida

    01-01-1990 -> 01-01-1992

  • Fr Adolfo Joviano Castro Viegas

    01-10-1992 -> 31-05-1993

  • Fr Eduardo António de Souza

    01-01-1994 -> 01-01-2001

  • Fr Querobino Caetano Baptista

    01-01-2001 -> 01-01-2006

  • Fr Caetano Francisco Piedade Cardoso

    01-01-2006 -> N.A.

Understanding the InnovationWe honour the priests and religious men and women who have shaped Cunchelim’s spiritual heritage, remembering those who have passed away and thanking those who continue to guide our parish in faith. Our history lives not in church walls alone, but in the people who pray, serve, and lead us closer to Christ.