Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral

Landmarks

• 1875: The first Syrian Catholic Church was founded in Thrissur city; the Marth-Mariyam Valiyapalli erected in 1814 was occupied by Chaldean Syrian traditionalists under Mar Elias Mellus Archbishop (For this and following material.)
• 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 a 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’
• 1957: Blessing of the present cathedral by Mar George Alappatt.
• 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
• 1996: Blessing of the Centenary Hall
• 1997: Installation of Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy Metropolitan Archbishop of Trichur
• 1998: Blessing of Cemetery Chapel.
• 2004: Episcopal ordination of Mar Andrews Thazhath, the Third Archbishop of Trichur.
• 2010: Episcopal ordination of Mar Raphael Thattil, the second Auxiliary Bishop of Trichur
• 2017: Episcopal ordination of Mar Tony Neelankavil, the third Auxiliary Bishop of Trichur