There are many unknown facts about Goa and this is an attempt to unravel one of it. Many know churches located in Old Goa are famous world over. It serves as a tourist attraction and pilgrimage site as well. But visitors (tourists and locals) are unaware that one of these churches has received a ‘Golden Rose’ gifted by the Pope.
The recipient of the honour was the Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, also known as Se Cathedral. In the year 1953, Pope Pius XII gifted the ornament as a token of reverence. It is currently kept in an iron chest inside the sacristy of the Basilica of Bom Jesus with other exhibits.
The rose is blessed on the fourth Sunday of Lent known Lætare Sunday (or as Rose Sunday). It has been presented to churches and sanctuaries, royalty, governments and military figures across the world. Se Cathedral received the rose for its services to the church.
