The stations at St. Annes Church represent the route along Via Dolorosa taken by Jesus to reach Mount Calvary, the site of his crucifixion. Commonly, a series of 14 images will be arranged in numbered order along a path, along which worshippers—individually or in a procession—move in order, stopping at each station to say prayers and engage in reflections associated with that station.
St. Anne’s Church has stained glass windows depicting prominent themes from Christianity. The window in the centre depicts the Ascension of Jesus; the window on the right depicts the Descent of the Holy Spirit; and the one on the left depicts the Coronation of Our Blessed Lady and the Glory of All the Saints.
Our Lady of the Rosary baptism well is dedicated to Joseph Baptista, who was born in Matharpacady, on January 4, 1864. Baptista was a fervent nationalist who studied law to qualify as a barrister. He was an Indian National Congress (INC) member who, via his writings, speeches, and political engagement, significantly contributed to the mobilisation of public opinion in support of Indian Home Rule.
Saint Annes Church in Mazagaon showcases pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and lofty spires, all hallmarks of the neo-Gothic style. The cornerstone was set on April 10, 1880, and on November 6, 1881, Bombay Bishop Meurin dedicated it.
St. Anne’s Church was built on the site of a chapel constructed in 1787 by Rose Nesbit, an Armenian lady. The chapel built by the Nesbit family was called Igreja da Senhora Santa Anna, named after the mother of Mary. In the 19th century, the Jesuits renamed it Saint Anne’s Church.
On July 31st, 1887, coinciding with the Feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, Saint Annes was formally recognized as a parish. Saint Anne is traditionally believed to be the mother of the Virgin Mary, and thus the grandmother of Jesus.
The panel above the altar at Our Lady of the Rosary church features a copy of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" mural, which was created between 1495 and 1498 and kept in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles, as told in the Gospel of John.
The dimension and height of the church was increased to make space for large congregations. It is said that the ceiling of the church was elevated in order to construct a balcony with benches for parishioners. However, due to insufficient funds, this was left undone.
During the vicarship of Stanislaus Pereira (1953-1974), Our Lady of the Rosary church underwent a comprehensive interior and exterior refurbishment to give it a more contemporary look.
Our Lady of the Rosary church features Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis, are a series of scenes depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion. The Stations of the Cross are tied to the Christian themes of repentance and mortification of the flesh.