Arch Bishop Emeritus Bernard Moras lays the foundation stone for the new entrance to St Philomena’s Church, in Mysuru, recently.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Mysuru: Mysuru’s iconic St Joseph’s Cathedral, popularly known as St Philomena’s Church, will get a majestic main gate, by Christmas.
Parish priest Staney D'Almeda said that the foundation stone for the ornate entrance, being erected at an estimated approximate cost of Rs 50 lakh, was laid on October 23 by Arch Bishop Emeritus and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore Bernard Moras.
Vicar general Alfred John Mendonca, financial administrator Sebastian Alexander, chancellor Joseph Packiaraj and M A Napoleon of Light House Poles were present on occasion.
D'Almeda said, St Joseph’s Cathedral is renowned as the tallest cathedral in India and the second tallest in Asia. “Despite being is a significant landmark of Mysuru, with global fame, the cathedral lacked a proper and aesthetically pleasing entrance. The existing small gate, located directly opposite the cathedral, looked inadequate for the huge influx of tourists and pilgrims”.
“A more welcoming entryway was planned in 2019 itself, under the guidance of then Bishop K A William. Due to some technicalities, it was delayed. The new gate will include enhanced security features and decorative elements, to complement the cathedral’s grandeur,” he said.
“The construction of the entrance is expected to be completed in December, before Christmas. This project aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal and also security of the cathedral. Besides, it will enrich the experience of all those who visit the historic and spiritual site,” said D'Almeda.
He said, the main gate itself will be 16 feet wide, and the entire structure, including pillars and additional small gates, will be 54 feet wide. “A separate entrance is already given on the South-Western part, for vehicles. The gates alone would cost around Rs 20 lakh. The other works on the entrance plaza would cost around Rs 10 lakh. Beautification of the structure and laying of tiles around it would cost another Rs 15 lakh,” D'Almeda said.
“Chennai-based Light House Poles are executing the project, while the gates are being made by Indore-based Dwarka Castings and Engineering. Concepts like four pillars for four gospels, the Holy Cross, lilly flowers to represent St Joseph, and roses of the crown of St Philomena will be depicted in the gate,” said D'Almeda.
S J Ashoka, a tourist guide, said, such a modification to the main entrance was very much necessary. “I always wondered, why the entrance to this historic shrine was so simple,” he said.
Anthony Moses, a pilgrim from Bengaluru, said, “I was curious to know, why was there a scaffolding at the entrance of the cathedral? I asked the security guards there and learnt about the new entrance. I am pleased to learn about the beautification”.