Written on December 28, 2010 at 3:49 AM by Lasith

St. Lucia’s Cathedral

Filed under Religion {no comments}

Location: Colombo, Western Province
Date of visit: 13th December 2010

I had an extra day in Colombo, so headed to the heart of the Catholic district in Kotahena (Colombo 13) to visit St. Lucia’s Cathedral. Constructed in 1887 as a replica of the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican to the Roman Renaissance style (not Gothic, thanks clickflick for noting the correction), it is the seat for Colombo’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese. St. Lucia’s is situated about 3 km North of the bus station in Pettah (Colombo 11), off of George R. De Silva Mawatha — you cannot miss the large dome as you approach.

Replica of St. Peter’s Basilica

Photo doesn't existThe origins of the cathedral can be traced back to the Dutch Colonial era when a small wooden chapel was erected by the Oratorian fathers in 1760 and later replaced by a larger brick and mortar church in 1782. A century later the church was elevated to cathedral and the foundation stone for its new structure was laid in 1852. The Cathedral’s current structure was designed by Bishop H. D. Sillani and Rev. Fr. S. Tabarrani in 1873, as a replica of the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The building was completed in 1887 and cost a total of LKR 160,000, raised entirely by donations. Finally touches were added by 1902.

Seat of Roman Catholic Archdiocese

In 1834 Ceylon (formerly Sri Lanka) was freed from the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Goa and Rev. Fr. Vincente Rozairo was installed as the country’s first Vicar-Apostolic at St. Lucia’s. Today the Cathedral remains the seat for Colombo’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese, and is also the oldest and largest living Parish in the country.

Legend of St. Lucy of Sicily

Photo doesn't existSt. Lucia’s Cathedral is named after the virgin saint St. Lucy of Sicily. She is venerated worldwide as the patron saint of the blind and is honored by a feast on 13th December. There are several accounts of the Legend of St. Lucy. According to one she had consecrated her virginity to God and had refused to marry a pagan. It is said that since her suitor had admired her eyes, she tore them out and gave them to him saying “Now let me live to God”.

Keeping Vigil Over the Years

During years of its existence the Cathedral has kept vigil over the city of Colombo, observing the ebb and flow of history. Sadly, its iconic dome has also been a victim to the century with a cracks caused by World War II air raids as well as other explosions in the city. The Cathedral is also noted for hosting several landmark religious events, including ceremonies to mark national independence in 1948 and the Eucharistic rally of 1959.

Goto main Colombo page: The city of Colombo