Christianity

Customs of Christianity :

There are three main Customs of Christianity :

Baptism : After 40 days of Birth, a Christian Child receives its first sacranment. This rite called the Churching is performed by the priest in the presence of the child, hi parents and his entire family. In this ceremony, the childs feet are dipped in the holy water and thus the child is admitted to Christianity.

First Holy Communion : In this Ceremony, the child of the age ten years takes the responsibility that he mature enough and takes the responsibility of his religion. If the child is Catholic, he receives religious instructions for at least a month before the ceremony and is orally tested for his knowledge on Christianity. After this the child is given the Sacrament of being a Christian by the Bishop.

Marriage : In Christian Marriage, the bride and the bridegroom, meet the Parish Priest a month before the actual marriage ceremony to learn about their responsibilities. On the Marriage day, the bride and the bridegroom exchange vows and wedding rings to solmenize their wedding.

Places of Pilgrimage

Bom Jesus Church - The Bom Jesus which is in Old Goa has the body of St. Francis Xaviers lying in Calm and Peace. The Duke of Tuscancy donated four beautiful bronze panels depicting the Saints life Scenes. An Italian Lady Fransesca de Sopranis, donated a costly silver statue of the Saint which too lies here. People from world over come here to visit this Pilgrimage of Goa.

Begum Samrus Church - St. Marys Church Sardhana, is known as Begum Samrus Church. The Church is named after its builder - Begum Samru who constructed it in the year 1822. The Church has a beautiful marble monument of the Begum Samru lying at the entrance of the Church.

St Marys Church - The first English Church in India - the St. Marys Church was built in the year 1680 A.D.in Chennai. This Protestant Church is one of the many churches in Indian which epitomes the legend of Mother Mary rather than Jesus Christ.

Not to be Missed

Apostle Thomas Church - The most important and sacred Church which also has a Historical Value is situated in Chennai - Tamil Nadu. St. Mount Thomas is the site of death of the Apostle Thomas. The Church walls have the references to the work and writings of the St. Thomas.

Our Suggestions

• It is important to maintain peace and silence in the Churches. So whenever you are visiting any of the Churches in India, keep silence. Should you need to ask anything, seek the help of your tour guide.
• Whenever you visit a Church, look for the mass Candle Light place. Light a candle here and pray for the peace and goodness of others.
• Most of the Churches are dedicated to Jesus Christ, but some of them are also dedicated to Mother Mary. In any case give due respect to both.
• If you wish to the ceremony of Christians (except baptism - in which only invitees are there), take prior permission from the Church else ask the tour operator to arrange one for you - if possible.
• The best Churches in Indian can be found in Goa - Old Goa. So if you want to visit a range of them, go for Old Goa.
• The Customs and Religion of Protestants and Catholic Christians differ a bit. Be known to them when you visit a Church or just be a Spectator. Do not comment on their religion.
• There are direct Trains for South India and Goa. If you are going to Goa from Bombay/Mumbai - you can go by road, as its only a 5-6 hrs of Journey.
• For Tours and further information, contact us.