About the Parish

In the heart of Kalina lies a testament to faith and resilience, Our Lady of Egypt Church, a beacon of Roman Catholicism, under the jurisdiction of Archdiocese of Bombay, tracing back to the 17th century. Once nestled amidst wilderness, Kalina, formerly known as Kole Kalyan, witnessed the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in the early 1600s. Led by the intrepid Fr. Manoel de Mathias, they navigated through the Mithi River, bringing the light of Christianity to these untamed lands.

With devotion as their guide, Fr. Mathias baptized locals and laid the cornerstone of the Church of Our Lady of Egypt in 1606. Standing tall amidst verdant hills, this sanctuary became a spiritual anchor for the burgeoning community, overseeing neighboring villages of Sahar and Vakola.

Through centuries marked by transformations, the church remained steadfast, a guardian of tradition and a haven for the faithful. From modest beginnings, it evolved, bearing witness to renovations in 1898 and a transformative overhaul in 1960, yet retaining its timeless grace and sanctity.

Today, amidst the bustling streets of modern Kalina, Our Lady of Egypt stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of devotion, welcoming over 12,000 parishioners into its embrace, a sacred thread connecting past, present, and future in the tapestry of faith.

Since 2018, Our Lady of Egypt Church has been under the pastoral care of Fr Rui Comelo. He is the present parish priest.