Sorrowful Mother Cathedral – Kizhavaasal Madurai

Contact Details:

Sorrowful Mother CathedralKizhavaasal, MaduraiKizhavaasal, Madurai – 625001, Tamil Nadu.
Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. V. Henry Jerome (SJ).
Church Established – 1592.

Brief History:

This 500-year-old institution is one of India’s most architecturally significant churches, blending Hebrew, Greek, Roman, Gothic, German, Venetian, and Spanish architectural elements. The structure features 164 pinnacles, 100 columns, and 80 stained-glass windows. Founded during the Jesuit mission in Madurai in 1592, it played a pivotal role in Christian evangelization across South India through figures like Robert de Nobili (1606-1642). It was elevated to Cathedral status in 1969. The cathedral serves approximately 1,600 families with 43 associations.