Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Champanagar

About Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Champanagar is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Bhagalpur, located in Bhagalpur, Bihar. Established in 1783, it is the oldest Catholic church in the diocese and has served generations of Catholics through Holy Mass, prayer, the sacraments, and pastoral ministry. Today, the cathedral remains the spiritual heart of the diocese.

Contact Details

Church: Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Location: Champanagar, Bhagalpur – 812004, Bihar
Phone: 0641-2500679, +91 9430456011
Parish Priest: Fr. Mathew A.C.
Church Established: 1783

History

Immaculate Conception Cathedral is the oldest church in the Diocese of Bhagalpur and has had a resident priest since 1783. The original church was destroyed in the 1891 earthquake. Later, Fr. John O.C. rebuilt the church in 1901, and it continued to serve as the diocesan cathedral for many years.

In 1977, the present cathedral was consecrated by Cardinal Lawrence Picachy SJ of Calcutta. Notably, the earlier cathedral was constructed by skilled Italian artisans from Bologna, a fact recorded on the marble plaques at the site.

The cathedral also preserves some of the earliest Catholic baptismal records in the region, dating back to 7 March 1892. Furthermore, generous benefactors, including Dr. Jim McConnell and Msgr. Francis Ackerson of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, supported the construction of the present cathedral.

Over the years, many dedicated priests have served the parish and strengthened its spiritual mission. Today, the cathedral welcomes seminarians, religious sisters, teachers, parishioners, and visitors for regular liturgical celebrations and diocesan events. It serves a local Catholic community of about 500 faithful and continues to play a vital role in the life of the Diocese of Bhagalpur.

Explore more Catholic Churches in the Diocese of Bhagalpur.

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