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Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Kerala, is located in the heart of Thrissur City in the state of Kerala, India. Dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes,[1] the Syro-Malabar Catholic church is noted for its imposing interior. The main attraction is an underground shrine, considered a masterpiece of architectural design. Fr John Maliekkal is said to have planned and constructed this church. The exterior of the church features an Indo-European facade with white spires. The centenary of this church was celebrated during the historic visit of PopeJohn Paul II to Thrissur City in 1986. The cathedral church attracts thousands of pilgrims every month.
Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral
Front facade of Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral
1875: A new Syrian Catholic Church was founded in Thrissur; the Marth-Mariyam Valiyapalli erected in 1814 was occupied by Chaldean Syrian Schismatics under Mar Elias MellusArchbishop (For this and following material.) [2][3]
1885: Establishment of our Lady of Lourdes Church for the Latin Catholics ( Roman Catholics of Latin Rite ).
1887: Erection of the vicariate Apostolic of Trichur (20 May) with Mgr. Adolphus Medlycott as the first Vicar Apostolic.
1891: Elevation of the Lourdes Church as the Cathedral of the Vicariate of Trichur in exchange for the 1875 Roman Syrian Church for Latin Catholics.
1896: Elevation of Mgr. John Menachery (Cathedral Vicar) to the Status of Vicar Apostolic.
1923: Elevation of Trichur as Diocese, with Mar Francis Vazhappilly as the first Bishop. Restoration of Indian Syro-Malabar Catholic Hierarchy
1934: Blessing of the chapel near main gate.
1952: Blessing of the chapel in the crypt 75’x 50’
1986: Episcopal consecration of the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. A solemn conclusion of centenary celebration of the diocese and of its cathedral by Pope John Paul II during His Apostolic Visit to Thrissur 7 February
1995: Elevation of Trichur as a Metropolitan See, and Lourdes Church as the Metropolitan Cathedral