Church of Our Lady of Compassion

The Church of Our Lady of Compassion, also known as Our Lady of Piety, is a historic Catholic church located atop a hillock in Piedade village on Divar Island, Goa. Originally established as a chapel in 1541, the present structure was completed in 1724 and designed by a Goan priest. It is considered one of the earliest Christian structures on the island and features distinctive Baroque architecture with panoramic views of the Mandovi River and surrounding countryside.

Visitors can expect to see an early 18th-century heritage church featuring Baroque and New Roman architectural elements, including twin towers with spear finials, Corinthian columns, and three main entrances. The interior includes a stone baptismal font, an ornate pulpit, and original painted plaster ceiling decorations. The hilltop location offers panoramic views of the Mandovi River, Old Goa, and lush green surroundings. Visitors may also observe exterior statues honoring Fr. Jacome Gonsalves and St. Jose Vas.

Originally established as a chapel in 1541, rebuilt in 1625, and reconstructed in its current form between 1700 and 1724. Designed by Goan priest António João de Frias, it is among the earliest Christian structures on Divar Island. The church bell was originally donated by a ship captain who survived a storm but was later exchanged with Se Cathedral's bell because its ringing shattered nearby windows. Archaeological studies have found no evidence of a prior Hindu temple at the site despite local legends.

The church serves as the parish church for Piedade village and is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Piety). Its annual feast is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. The church represents significant Indo-Portuguese religious architecture and has been associated with notable Goan clergy including missionaries to Sri Lanka. It remains an active place of worship and community gathering for the island's Catholic population.