Saint Philomena’s Cathedral, among the most majestic and largest churches in India, boasts two spires rising 175 feet into the air. With it’s twin towers of Mysore seen from miles around, the church is a distinctive landmark in this South India city both architecturally and spiritually. Few other British churches in India can match the brilliant size or construction of this colossal church designed by the Reverend Rene Feuge.
More than 250 years ago a small church was located in Mysore. It wasn’t until the capital was moved from Srirangapatnam to Mysore, that an influx of British officers and soldiers required a larger building. Thus a larger church was built in a new place. As the city expanded and the Christian population of the city increased there was a need for a larger church. And although the neo-Gothic style exterior of St Philomena appears to have the look of a building centuries old, in actuality the foundation of the church wasn’t laid until 1933. It took 7 years to complete.
The floor plan of the cathedral is in the form of a cross. The long part of the cross is the ‘nave’, which is the congregation hall seating up to 800 people. The two arms of the cross are the ‘transepts’. The fourth part containing the altar and the choir is the ‘crossing’. The Holy Mass is performed daily in South Indian languages of Kannada & Tamil, as well as English, at the table in the sanctum sanctorum. Behind this is an exquisite marble altar on which the statue of St. Philomena is placed. There is also an idol of Christ lying in his sacred wounds. Above the sanctum there are lovely stained glass windows from France with painting depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ.
The part of the church that attracts most of the attention from tourists is the towers or spires. These towers resemble that of Cologne Cathedral in Germany and those of St. Patrick’s Church in New York. Move beyond the towers to find a haunting yet beautiful catacomb located under the main altar. Visitors access this via a small stairwell opposite the main entrance. Inscribed plaques take every available piece of wall lining the hallway leading underneath the altar.
Few other foreign tourists venture this far from the main entrance but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it’s eerie beauty. Locals as well as Indian tourists pass through the dimly lit hallways in silence either as a sign of respect or reflection on the sheer magnificence of St Philomena Cathedral. A second access to the catacomb is located off the altar upstairs for those that don’t wish to retrace their steps or want a better view inside.
The church is located at a distance of 3kms from the city bus stand 2km from the Palace. Open from 5 A.M. to 6 P.M., Holy Mass is held in the morning and evening. Special masses are held on Sundays and on festivals. An Annual Feast is held on August 11th each year.
No photography is allowed inside the church. No Entry fee. Tourists are welcome but asked to respect service times.
