St. Mary's Malankara Syrian Catholic Cathedral Basilica also known as St Mary's Cathedral is a holy shrine which is located in between Pattom and Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district. This is one among the ancient churches which is being managed by the Malankara Roman Catholic management. The premises of the church harbor the Seminary, the St. Mary's Press and the educational institutions of the Malankara management. This is continuing to be the central place of worship for Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
History
In 1950, Mar Ivanios who was the Servant of Metropolitan God Archbishop laid the foundation stone of St Mary's Cathedral. On 22nd February, 1965, Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios consecrated the Cathedral. At present, the community of the Cathedral parish is consisting of 531 families. The pro-Cathedral of the Major Archdiocese St. Mary's Church at Palayam was elevated to the position of the first Basilica in the Malankara Catholic Church.
Architecture
St Mary's Cathedral was built according to Baroque style of architecture and this church is standing as a perfect example of neo-gothic style of architecture. This church contains an imposing structure with a clock cum bell tower and several stained glass windows. This is the junction of the Major Archbishop Catholicos of Trivandrum. The Cathedral depicts the wall pictures which are ideal examples of the rich oriental vision and tradition. When Pope John Paul II arrived in Kerala, he honored St Mary’s Cathedral by visiting the church on 8th February, 1986.
Renovation
In the year 2008, the cathedral was renovated. On 8th November, 2008 was the blessing of the renovated Cathedral.
Tombs
The church contains the tombs of the famous Archibishops. The tombs of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios and Major Archbishop Catholicos Moran Cyril Mar Baselios can be found in the church.
Proclamation
Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis who was the Major Archbishop made a proclamation in St. Mary's Pattom Cathedral on 14th July, 2007. Mar Ivanios was raised to the level of 'Servant of God' known as Daivadasan through this proclamation. This is the first step in the process of his Canonization as a Saint in the Universal Church.
St. Mary's Malankara Syrian Catholic Cathedral Basilica also known as St Mary's Cathedral is a holy shrine which is located in between Pattom and Kesavadasapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district. This is one among the ancient churches which is being managed by the Malankara Roman Catholic management. The premises of the church harbor the Seminary, the St. Mary's Press and the educational institutions of the Malankara management. This is continuing to be the central place of worship for Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.