St.Mary's Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral is located on Mall Road in the Jalandhar Cantonment area, Punjab. It comes under the province of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi. It is a representation of the secular culture of India and was first built in 1847 by Rev. Fr. John McDonnell, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (O.F.M.CAP). Soon after Independence, the old Church was demolished in 1857 amidst violent riots refuting secularism. The Church was then re-established with the blessings of Pope John Paul II, and laid by the bishop of Jalandhar Rev. Dr. Symbhorian Keeprathlaid. It was inaugurated on the Hindu occasion of Diwali on 19 October 1989. The Cathedral is flanked by fragrant flowers, gardens, and a gallery called ‘Rosary Villa’ that showcases images of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary.

History

The old church was dedicated to St. Patrick and was first established by Rev. Fr. John McDonnell, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (O.F.M.CAP) in 1847. He was a member of the Vicariate Apostolic of Agra. After Independence, in the year 1987, the church was demolished as a protest amidst chaotic riots refuting secularism. However, the then bishop of Jalandhar Rev. Dr. Symbhorian Keeprathlaid laid the foundation stone after Pope John Paul II’s blessings in April 1987, and the church was reconstructed. To signify the cultural integrity of India, Punjab in particular, the newly established cathedral was inaugurated on the Hindu occasion of Diwali on 19 October 1989.

Architecture

The St. Mary’s Cathedral is flanked by palm trees on either of its sides that provide a grand yet quietening entrance to the cathedral. Its exterior is structured with two minarets mounted with domes and engraved clocks. Each minaret has been erected with a crucifix. In between the minarets is a statue of Jesus Christ endowing the devotees with His blessings. The interior is famous for colorful glasses reflecting sunlight and giving out a spiritual ambiance. Within the church, the compound is also located in the ‘Rosary Villa’ bedecked with flowers and fountains. The open gallery also contains images of Christ and Mother Mary.