The Pilerne church is dedicated to St..John the Baptist. Also called ‘Sao Joao Baptista Igreja im Pilerne’, Goa in Portuguese or simply known as the Pilerne church. The Pilerne Church was initially a chapel, built in 1658 by Frei Diogo de Santa Clara. The Pilerne church had to be rebuilt twice before the present structure. The feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on the 24th of June.

The church complex has a grotto of Our Lady of Fatima. The Pilerne church has five altars. The main altar is dedicated to st. John the Baptist. The four altars honour St. Anthony, Our Lady of Piety, Our lady of Mount and Holy souls.

Chapels affiliated to St. John the Baptist church
Our Lady of Candelaria chapel, Pilerne
Mother of God chapel, Moicavaddo, Pilerne
St. Anne Chapel, Marra, Pilerne

Feast of St. John the Baptist
The feast of St. John the Baptist, more widely known as San Joao is celebrated on the 24th of June with great vibrance and a captivating spirit of merriment, colour and tradition. People vibrantly dressed with a floral crown adorning their heads meet near a stream or a traditionally designated place in each ward. Christian scripture tells us of John the Baptist leaping for joy in his mother, Elizabeth’s womb when she was told of Jesus’ birth. On the feast day, villagers jump in the village wells singing ‘San Joao’. The popular Sangodd is held on which people parade singing Mandos and religious hymns and a colourful display of brightly decorated boats. People, especially the newly married or those with a new-born gather with the dali and gifts containing seasonal fruits like mango, pineapples, jackfruits and a drink. The young and old alike sing and dance to the beat of the ghumot.