Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Assumption

The Basilica of our Lady of the Assumption is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in India. It was earlier called the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad and is also known by the name St. Mary’s Church. It is a minor basilica located on Sarojini Naidu Road in Secunderabad and adjacent to St. Ann’s High School. People from all faiths visit the Church attracted by its architectural beauty. Thus, the church is considered an essential landmark in the Secunderabad region.

Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Basilica plays a crucial role in the history of Catholics and celebrates its specific recognition as a Basilica. Popularly known for its historical importance and its Basilica status, the church receives thousands of visitors throughout the year from all over the country. The church plays a pre-eminent role in bringing people together through its celebrations of festivals. It organizes all the festivals with pomp and piety, making it an attraction for visitors all over the country.

History of Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption

Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption owes its history to Fr. Daniel Murphy along with Bishop Carew. The victory of Fr. Daniel Murphy, the first Vicar Apolistic of Hyderabad over the British Governor-General, Lord Dalhousie marked the beginning of the construction of the church. During the construction of the church, a feud broke out, and Bishop Murphy was accused of provoking the rioters. He was then expelled from Hyderabad, but after two years, he resumed his Episcopal functions.

After the completion of the construction in 1850, the church was called Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad making it one of the prominent churches of Hyderabad. In 1871, a couple of nuns were invited by the Bishop who then opened a school which is known as St. Ann's School. The church was finally granted the status of Basilica as St. Mary's Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.

Architecture of Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption

In 1840, Fr. Daniel Murphy, one of the Irish Catholics in the British Army, started planning to build the church, and the construction was completed in 1850. Relatively simpler from the inside, St. Mary's church is an excellent example of the use of Gothic Architecture with curved arches and pointed supports.

The congregation has four bells which were bought from Italy in 1901. It also has several side altars dedicated to specific saints. St. Mary's is a result of blending European structures into a livelier style. It also has a museum featuring the church’s history and pictures.