By Prajal Sakhardande

uvem or St Estevam is a beautiful island of Tiswadi. In the past was well know as "Shakecho Juvo" - the isle of vegetables - especially noted for its long, seven-ridged, light green ladyfingers.

Thus, the people of Juvem came to be nicknamed ‘bhende’. Juvem is noted for its rich historical heritage and natural beauty, one being its beautiful church. The architectural beauty of this church, dedicated to St Stephens, locally known as Sant Estevam, is enhanced by its lantern-shaped dome.

In the year 1555, a Hind ‘gaonkar’ named Sampur Santu was converted to Christianity. Between the years 1560-63 many Hindus from Juvem were converted to Christianity. In the year 1556 the Hindu Parab family of Juvem was converted to Christianity. These conversions were done by the Jesuits. In the year 1575 the Jesuits, also called ‘Paulists’, built the said church on the site of the Ravalnath temple and dedicated it to St Stephens or Sant Estevam after which the Juvem village came to be named. This was the first church in Juvem. It was originally built of palm fords and mud, and was a very simple modest structure.

On the night of November 24, 1683 the Maratha King Sambhaji conquered the island of Juvem along with its fort. The church was burnt.

In 1739 the Marathas once again attacked Juvem. In 1759 the church was wholly rebuilt by the communidade. The present church that we see is dates back to the year 1759 - 250 years. The church is a beautiful example of Latin-Roman-Portuguese art and architecture. The façade of the Church dressed in creamish-white is truly elegant and charming. The church has twin towers and double dome.

You also find heritage architectural styles such as the Baroque, Rococo, Corinthian, Greco-Roman, Romaneque fusion in this elegant wonder of St Estevam. The creamish white facade and colour of the church further enhances its beauty. The natural beauty and the environs of the church also add to its charm. Carpets of green fields dot the road leading to the church. In 1842 the communidade of Juvem or Sant Estevam made further improvements in the church. On March 24, 1890 the church was burgled and the sacred vessels robbed.

The main altar of the church is dedicated to St Estevam and with the other two altars dedicated to Our Lady of Remedios and Jesus the Crucified. Gelasio dos Remedios Furtado a ‘gaonkar’ of Juvem rebuilt the church in 1759.