Information on St Joseph's Cathedral (Hyderabad, Telangana) - History & Architecture

St Joseph's Cathedral is a popular Roman Catholic Cathedral located at The Gunfoundry, just northern side of King Kothi and Abids, in the Hyderabad in the state of Telangana, in Southern India. This particular church is largely dedicated to St. Joseph. Its administration comes under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hyderabad. It is to be highly noted that it is one of the most attractive churches in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad cities.

St Joseph's Cathedral Religious Significance

St Joseph's Cathedral is the most sough-after Cathedral in Hyderabad among the Christian community. A large number of people assemble for daily mass, special prayer meetings on the even of Christmas and New Year. The Masses are offered daily at 6am and 6pm in English language. The Sunday mass timings are 6:30 am, 8:00am and 6pm in English language. During the eve of Christmas and Easter mass timings are 8:00 am and 6pm in English language and 9:15 am in Telugu language. A large number of domestic and international tourists visit this particular cathedral because of its historical and architectural significance. The cathedral premises makes one feel relieved from mental stress and physical strain. It gives a very comfortable and cool atmosphere for its visitors in any given situations and circumstances. It is the right spot to spend a solid religious time with family members, relatives and friends in all aspects.

St Joseph's Cathedral Historical Significance

In 1820 AD, St Joseph's Cathedral was successfully established in Hyderabad. It is to be remembered that when Fr. Antonio Tagliabue PIME in 1869, the construction of the present structure commenced in a successful manner. Actually, an extensive site was purchased near Chaderghat which is presently known as The Gunfactory in order to build a convent, church and English medium school. On 18 March 1870, its basic foundation stone was laid by Msgr. Pietro Caprotti (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) on the grand eve of the Solemnity of St. Joseph. In 1872, Fr. Luigi Malberti (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) directly took charge and completed the primary building. On Christmas Eve of 1875, this church was grandly opened and consecrated for divine worship. In 1886 AD, Hyderabad region and its vast surrounding were officially made as a separate diocese. In 1887, in a consistory held, Pope Leo XIII officially declared St. Joseph's as one of the significant Cathedral of the diocese. In 1953, this particular church was raised as a 'Metropolitan See' archdiocese.

St Joseph's Cathedral Architecture Significance

In 1891, the bell towers and the facade were completed. In 1892, the huge and attractive bells were imported from Italy. It is to be remembered that these bells are tuned to play different hymns as per the situations and circumstances of the religious occasions and events in the church premises. The centre hall can largely accommodate approximately 500 people at a time for mass prayers. There is an unbelievable imitation of the popular Pieta by Michelangelo in the main alcove just inside this church.

An Extensive renovation work was carried out between 2004 and 2008 in the interior of the structure and on the roof areas. After the renovation work was successfully completed, the church had new lighting and electrical fixtures, new granite flooring, a new roof, column bases and an attractive 1.8m or 6-foot-high granite wainscot to the cathedral sanctuary walls.The main attraction of this particular cathedral are an antique European oil painting of the Blessed Mother and Christ Child, marble statues of Mary and St Anthony, beautifully carved marble side altars and many artworks.

Festivals at St Joseph's Cathedral

The Annual Church festival is celebrated in a grand manner with the participation of the local people. On the eve of Christmas and New Year, special mass prayer meetings are held in a religious manner. All these festival add to the importance of the Church and more of all whatever programmer or festival is organized here, it is celebrated with great pomp and show. It is truly an exciting experience to be the part of the festival and share the happiness with one and all, who come to offer prayer at this famous St Joseph's Cathedral.