The village of Verem is not very big. Surrounded by its sister villages of Nerul and Sinquerim, it has a very soothing atmosphere, especially on the beach front. The Verem beach is also popularly known as Qegdevelim beach. It’s a rocky stretch of beach that is a part of Nerul as well and runs right up to Sinquerim. Verem is a busy little village as it is located on the main road between Betim and Candolim. Which is why a lot of people don’t seem to realize that in the heart of the village lies a 17th-century chapel named Nossa Senhora de Todo o Bem. Todo o Bem means ‘All-that-is-good’ in Portuguese.
The 17th century chapel in Verem
Not much is known about the history of this chapel. Believed to have been built sometime in the 17th century, it existed during the Portuguese regime. The chapel is a one-story structure, painted white and blue. These colors are commonly used for chapels and churches all over Goa.
Built into the facade of this beautiful chapel are two niches. Both hold a large statue of saints. It’s not clear as to which saints are nestled in these niches. Some say one is of St. Francis of Assisi and the other could be a statue of St. Anthony.
The chapel’s interior is pretty. There is a pulpit, a mezzanine floor, and even a sacristy. The main altar inside the chapel happens to be carved entirely from wood.
It is also thought that this 17th-century chapel in Verem once faced the river Mandovi. However, with the passing of time, many small houses were built around it as Verem grew from a small fishing community to a bustling little village that sees many people pass by on their way to Candolim and Sinquerim.
Visiting Nossa Senhora de Todo o Bem
Getting to Verem is easy. One can take a car or a bus from Panjim to get to Verem in approximately 20 minutes without traffic. Or one can even cross the Mandovi by ferry and then just get into any of the local buses that pass by, on their way to Candolim and Calangute.
The signboard to the chapel is placed right on the road, just before the Verem junction. It says ‘XVII Century Chapel’ The chapel is usually closed every day but if one wants to visit, it’s not difficult. A gentleman by the name of Gonsalves has the key to the chapel and it is he who takes visitors inside. But not before they make a small donation towards the upkeep and maintenance of the chapel. This is a procedure that has been followed with all the visitors to this quaint chapel. The last renovation and repairs to the church were done in 1998, using the money put into the donation box. Additionally, while mass isn’t held daily, there is a monthly mass held in the chapel. This happens on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6 pm.
People looking to sightsee off the beaten path can now add the 17th-century chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Todo o Bem in Verem. And of course, the beautiful Reis Magos church and fort can also be found a short drive from this chapel.
Information credit
http://goa-joegoauk.blogspot.com/2011/10/the-17th-century-chapel-of-our-lady-of.html
http://merwynsrucksack.blogspot.com/2015/02/goa-17th-century-chapel-of-todo-o-bem.html
ItsGoa/JULY/KDGP
