Syro-Malabar Cathedral of St facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Syro-Malabar Cathedral of St. Alphonsa |
|
|---|---|
| St Ignatius Syro-Malabar Catholic Church | |
Entrance from Meadow Street
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| OS grid reference | SD5416929933 |
| Location | Preston, Lancashire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Catholic (Syro-Malabar) |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Founded | 1833 |
| Founder(s) | Society of Jesus |
| Dedication | Ignatius of Loyola |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 27 September 1979 |
| Architect(s) | Joseph John Scoles |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1833 |
| Completed | 1886 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St John XXIII |
| Deanery | Preston |
| Diocese | Lancaster |
| Province | Liverpool |
The Syro-Malabar Cathedral of St. Alphonsa, also known as St Ignatius Church, is a special Catholic church in Preston, England. It belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic community. This church is located near the center of Preston, and you can find its entrance on Meadow Street. It first opened its doors in 1836. It was the first church in Preston to have a tall, pointed spire.
Since January 2015, this church has been used as a cathedral for the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. A cathedral is the main church for a bishop. On July 28, 2016, Pope Francis officially made it a cathedral. He also chose Msgr. Joseph Srampickal to be its first bishop.
Contents
History of St Ignatius Church
This section explores how St Ignatius Church came to be. It also covers how it changed over many years.
Early Beginnings
Before 1829, there were strict rules about building Catholic churches in England. After the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829, Catholics gained more freedom. This allowed them to build churches that looked more like traditional churches. St Ignatius Church was originally started by the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.
Building the Church
St Ignatius Church is one of the first buildings in Preston to show the Gothic Revival style. This style looks like the grand churches from the Middle Ages. Work on the church began in 1833. The main architect was Joseph John Scoles. He also designed other important churches for the Jesuits.
St Ignatius is one of the oldest Catholic churches still standing in Preston. A famous architectural historian, Sir Nicholas Pevsner, said it was very important. He noted its unusual design for a Catholic church of its time.
Changes and Additions
The church was much smaller when it was first built. In 1858, more sections were added. These included a new area for the altar and chapels on the sides. Joseph Hansom, another architect, designed these additions. He also designed the nearby St Walburge's Church.
Later, in 1885 and 1886, more changes were made. New chapels were added, and the area around the altar was redesigned. New confessionals (small rooms for confession) were built outside the main walls. Beautiful figures made of Alabaster and detailed wood carvings were added. In 1912, a side chapel and a baptistery (a place for baptisms) were built.
Community Life and Changes
The church had a close connection with St Ignatius Catholic Primary School next door. The school was built in 1863. Church services were often held for the school children.
Outside the church is St Ignatius Square. In 1982, this square became a protected area. This means its historic look cannot be changed much.
In 2001, the church no longer had its own resident priest. It joined with another local church, English Martyrs Church. Mass was then held once a week. On October 11, 2014, the parish joined with more churches. It was then renamed the Parish of St John XXIII.
Becoming a Syro-Malabar Cathedral
On December 2, 2014, St Ignatius Church was closed. However, it soon found a new purpose. On December 31, 2014, the leader of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church asked for a church in Preston for their community. The local bishop offered St Ignatius church, and they accepted. The church now serves the Syro-Malabar community. It is also open for private prayer.
Famous People Connected to the Church
Some well-known people have connections to St Ignatius Church.
The poet Francis Thompson was baptized here in 1859. Another famous poet, Fr Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ, worked as a priest here in the late 1880s.
Gallery
-
View of the west side, along St Ignatius Square
-
South side, along Meadow Street
-
Main western doorway
-
War Memorial outside
