Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, Secunderabad | Timings, Entry Fee, How to Reach

Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, Secunderabad Overview

Basilica of our lady of the assumption is one among the oldest Roman Catholic churches of India. It was earlier called as 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 the 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 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 organises all the festivals with pomp and piety, making it the attractions for visitors all over the country.

Mass Timings at St. Mary's Basilica

Daily Mass in English at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Sunday Masses
·         6:00 AM - Tamil
·         7:00 AM - English
·         8:15 AM - Telugu
·         9:15 AM - Children's Mass
·         9:30 AM - English
·         11:30 AM -English
·         5:00 PM - English
·         6:00 PM - English

Services at St. Mary's Basilica

Masses organised in the church have a huge significance, and as described by the church, mass is the source and summit of the Christian life. The church practices closed communion, with only baptized members ordinarily permitted to receive the Eucharist. The church also celebrates ‘Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary’ every year in mid-August.

The Architecture of St. Mary's Basilica

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 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 the European structures to a more lively style. It also has a museum featuring the church’s history and pictures.

History and Religious Significance of St. Mary's Basilica

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 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.

How To Reach Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption

Located right next to St. Ann’s School, St. Mary’s is located on the magnificent yet busy Sarojini Devi Road in the city of Secunderabad. The church is located at a mere distance of 750 meters from the main city of Secunderabad and at a distance of 2 kilometres from the Secunderabad Airport making it easily accessible by roads by any means of public transport. You can also take a stroll around the popular Sarojini Devi road for shopping.