St. Mary's Cathedral, Jalandhar

St. Mary's Cathedral, Jalandhar Overview

St. Mary’s Cathedral is located on Mall road in Jalandhar Cantonment area, Punjab. It comes under the province of 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 by 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.

Timings and Entry Fee

The entry to the cathedral is free. It is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM throughout the week. The Sunday Mass takes place at 8:00 AM.

Architecture of St Mary's Cathedral

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 colourful glasses reflecting sunlight and giving out a spiritual ambience. Within the church, the compound is also located the ‘Rosary Villa’ bedecked with flowers and fountains. The open gallery also contains images of Christ and Mother Mary.

History of St. Mary's Cathedral

The old church was dedicated to St. Patrick and 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.

How To Reach St. Mary's Cathedral, Jalandhar

The Cathedral is situated on Mall Road in Jalandhar Cantonment region, which is at a distance of 8.6 km from the city. This distance can easily be covered by auto-rickshaws and will take approximately 15 minutes.

Several cities are connected to Jalandhar via buses, therefore, making commutation with buses easier. The cathedral is at a distance of 5.4 km from the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Interstate Bus Terminal in Jawahar Nagar, Jalandhar. This distance can be covered in auto and should take 14 minutes.

The Jalandhar Railway Station in Amrik Nagar is at a distance of 8.2 km from the cathedral and can be covered using autos. It should take about 18 minutes.

The nearest airport is located in Amritsar and is called Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. It is at a distance of 98 km from St. Mary’s Cathedral in Jalandhar. It should take approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes to cover this distance. It can either be covered by catching a direct bus from the airport to Jalandhar. Preferably, the commutation becomes easier if these buses are pre-booked. On the spot, booking services are available too. Hiring a cab is another mode of commutation.