Ordained and blessed on May 17th 1899, the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries is in its 125th year of service to Roman Catholics across the country.

Cathedral Administrator, Fr. Stephen Quinlan will be leading the services this weekend as Catholics from the far reaches of the island converge on the church.

“There will be no Mass on Sunday May 19th at the Minor Basilica but there will be an evening Mass at 4pm. We are inviting everyone to come and celebrate that historic event with us,” Fr Quinlan explained.

Fr Quinlan explains that the church is allowing parishioners the opportunity to enjoy regular masses at their local church, and then to meet in Castries later on Sunday.

Monsignor Patrick Anthony, provided a brief history of the Cathedral’s construction back in the 1890s. He says those who have contributed to the longevity and maintenance of the Church over the years will be highlighted on Sunday. 

“Construction started in 1894 when Father Tapon, who is known for St Mary’s College and the builder of the Cathedral, took a loan of £3000 to build it. With that, began the idea of establishing what will become the largest church of its time in the English-speaking Caribbean,” recounted Mgr Anthony.

The Minor Basilica, far beyond just a religious building, hosts numerous national events, funerals and chrism masses.

Currently undergoing renovations since a deadly fire set to it on New Year’s morning in 2001, the Church stands tall after these 125 long years.

“Today, we have a masterpiece that is being renowned regionally and internationally and we would like no sort of development that will adversely affect that,” Anthony said.