NUVEM: The village of Nuvem falls along the busy highway as you commute to South Goa. The old heritage Church of Mae dos Pobres has been a popular attraction for the faithful and tourists travelling the route. Nuvemkars have another reason to celebrate as the newly-constructed church was inaugurated by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao on December 30, 2023.
The need for a new building arose from the aspirations of the locals to meet the growing numbers of Catholics in the area. The previous church, originally a private family chapel built in 1695, was elevated to a church in 1903. The church’s Neo–Roman Mannerist architectural features defined its striking façade. However, it could cater to only 200-250 people. Its limited seating and the structural damage were causes of concern that eventually led to the construction of the contemporary church.
Architect Tulio de Sousa, architect Ketak Nachinolkar, and their team conceptualised a modern church that would meet the needs of the parish yet redefine how religious architecture is viewed in Goa.
Tulio shares, “The old structure has, in terms of its use, outlived its existence. But we decided to further restore the old church to its former glory due to its heritage value. We wanted to build another church in contemporary style in line with the old church without competing with it.”
While the team maintained the heritage heart of the village, they delivered a striking structure in deliberate contrast. The new church draws from its surroundings and creates a refreshing visual vocabulary that relates to modern church architecture. Unlike the heritage churches of the past, the current design carries simplicity and grace by using scientific technology and energy conservation. The church is built by the parishioners and guided by the Parish Priest as a manifestation of the people’s aspirations and local traditions. Contemporary church architecture infuses traditional elements and certain vernacular features while embracing modern, minimalistic design sensibilities to enhance the spiritual experience of the faithful.
The lower rim of the new church of exposed laterite masonry symbolises its deeply rooted in the Goan ethos. Adding to a sense of spatial continuity between both structures, the beams of the new church are attached to the one at the side, creating a unique atrium with skylights of double height.
The Church building creates a clean, modern, symbolic design indicative of Noah’s Ark with clean lines, light grey walls, and the side buttresses in dark grey cement. The front glass cladding displays a stained glass artwork of the Holy Family. A slight elevation in the plinth raises the structure through a flight of steps and ensures visibility from a distance. A beautiful mural of Jesus calming the waters creates that ambiance of reverence as you walk in.
The team maintained the cruciform ground plan found in medieval churches, and the expansive columnless layout allows for spacious seating. The architects considered the wind and light movements to maintain a natural flow of cross ventilation and light without air conditioning and excessive artificial light. Tulio explains, “This was important to minimise the energy requirements and the cost of maintenance of the church, being a public building.”
As you walk down, the gradual slope enhances the visual connection of the rear pews as you move closer to the main altar made of a wooden carved panel bearing local motifs reminiscent of the altars in the heritage churches. Your attention is drawn to the center crucifix that is flanked by statues of the patroness, Mae dos Pobres, the Holy family, besides Saint Joseph, and the tabernacle encased in a large steel chalice.
The sanctuary epitomises the sanctity, reverence, and decorum associated with the solemnity and conduct of a religious service. The choir loft above can accommodate another 300 people.
The spacious sacristy behind the main altar provides a calming vestry for the priests to prepare for the service. The design uses an interplay of natural light to create a sublime divine experience as you sit in the spacious pews.
A special provision for mothers with babies or small children along the Northern periphery of the church offers privacy yet helps them follow the service from the windows that open out to the naïve. Spacious ramps on the sides of the church allow for easy access for all the faithful, including senior citizens and the differently abled. An additional hall in the basement can accommodate a larger gathering and can be utilised by the parish for other social programmes.
The new church elevates the spiritual experience of the faithful through simplicity and grace.
