Stella Maris Chapel, Miramar, Panjim, was elevated to the status of a church on April 15, 2026, marking a historic milestone for the local Catholic community.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, in the presence of the Fr Romeo Monteiro (Chancellor), Fr Francisco Dias (Panjim deanery Dean), Fr Zeferino D’Souza (the first Parochial Administrator of Stella Maris Church), Fr Edmund Barretto (Parish Priest of St Inez), Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira (Secretary to the Archbishop of Goa), Rohit Monserrate, (Mayor of Panjim), Surendra Furtado (former mayor of Panjim), former chaplains of the chapel, clergy, religious and faithful.
In his homily the archbishop highlighted that a parish is a living church, and reminded the faithful that every parish is a privileged environment where the faithful gather to grow in faith, to live the mystery of ecclesial communion and to take part in the churches mission.
The erection letter was read by Fr Romeo Monteiro and the minutes were signed by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev Fr Zeferino D’Souza the first Parochial Administrator of the newly erected parish of Miramar, expressed gratitude, stating that this milestone is “the fruit of years of unwavering faith, commitment, and the collective efforts of past and present priests of St Inez Church, past chaplains, priest-in-charge, the past and present countless faithful, benefactors, and well-wishers.”
He also acknowledged the guidance and support of church leadership, clergy, parish council members, catechists, youth and all those who helped make this long-cherished dream a reality.
The archbishop congratulated the parochial administrator Fr Zeferino D’Souza, the parishioners and all previous chaplains for this milestone.
A token of appreciation was given to the previous chaplains of Stella Maris Chapel appreciating their dedicated service to the chapel.
A coffee table book consisting of messages and past memories of the chapel was released, commemorating the occasion.
LOOKING BACK
What began as a humble chapel under the St Inez Parish has, over the years, grown into a vibrant community. Today, Stella Maris Church, the 175th parish of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, stands as a testament to faith, silent sacrifices, and the dedicated service of chaplains, parish leaders, and parishioners.
The past chaplains of the chapel were:
- 1989: Fr Arnaut Pinto (Priest-in-charge)
- 1995: Fr Vasco do Rego (Chaplain)
- 1999: Fr Mousinho Ataide (Chaplain)
- 2004: Fr Romualdo Robin Rodrigues (Chaplain)
- 2009: Fr Kenneth Barretto Teles (Chaplain)
- 2015: Fr Jorge Fernandes (Priest-in-charge)
- 2015: Fr Daniel Agnelo Pereira (Chaplain)
- 2016: Fr Leslie Bosco Rego (Chaplain)
- 2017: Fr Barry Cardozo (Chaplain)
- 2021: Fr Zeferino D’Souza (Chaplain)
- 2026: Fr Zeferino D’Souza (Parochial Administrator)
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