Navelim is one of the villages in the Salcete Taluka, located just outside the city of Margao and is the second largest in terms of population after the capital city of Panaji. It is mostly dominated by Christians as are most of the villages in Salcete.

Salcete being a part of the annexed territory of the Portuguese in the 16th century, most of the people of the villages in Salcete were mostly converted by the Jesuit missionaries who were on a conversion spree during that time.

The first church of Navelim was built by the Portuguese in early 16th century i.e in 1590 which was later re-constructed as the original structure was very small. The construction was financed by one of the local merchants who was saved from utter losses by Our Lady of the Rosary and so the church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary in Navelim. The fest of Our Lady of the Rosary is also celebrated with great pomp.