Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of Mysore, will offer a Thanksgiving Eucharist at 6 pm tomorrow

The iconic St. Philomena’s Church (St. Joseph’s Cathedral), a ‘must visit’ place on the tourist map of Mysuru, is abuzz in a festive mood. On Aug. 11, 2026, it is celebrating the Centenary of devotion to St. Philomena.

The history of St. Philomena’s devotion in Mysuru began in 1926 when Sir T. Thumboo Chetty, Huzur Secretary to Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, obtained the Sacred Relic of St. Philomena from Rome from Archbishop Peter Pisani, Apostolic Delegate of the East Indies. The relic was entrusted to Rev. Fr. Cochet, who tirelessly promoted devotion to the young martyr. Within a remarkably short period, pilgrims began visiting in large numbers, seeking the Saint’s intercession. In 1927, a beautifully crafted statue of St. Philomena, specially brought from France, was installed near the relic, establishing what would become one of South India’s most cherished pilgrimage centres.

Tradition has it that Philomena was a young Greek princess born to royal parents who embraced Christianity after praying for the gift of a child. From an early age, she dedicated her life entirely to Christ and made a vow of perpetual virginity.

Emperor Diocletian, during their visit to Rome, sought her hand in marriage. No inducements or fear of persecution could deter Philomena from her determination.

Diocletian subjected her to imprisonment and brutal torture and finally got her beheaded on Aug. 10, earning her the title of Virgin and Martyr.

For nearly fifteen centuries, the memory of the young martyr remained hidden until May 25, 1802, when workers excavating the Catacombs of St. Priscilla in Rome discovered her tomb. Three tiles bearing the inscription Pax Tecum Filumena (“Peace be with you, Philomena”), together with symbols of martyrdom including an anchor, arrows, a palm and a lily, identified the resting place of the young saint.

Following the discovery of her relics, extraordinary reports of healings and favours spread rapidly throughout Europe. Devotion to St. Philomena soon reached every continent.

On Oct. 28, 1933, Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar graciously laid the foundation stone of the present Cathedral. During the ceremony, the Maharaja expressed his hope that the church would stand “upon a double foundation — Divine compassion and the eager gratitude of men.”  

Constructed in the Neo-Gothic style and inspired by the great Cathedrals of Europe, the twin spires of the church rise approximately 187 feet and grace the skyline of Mysuru city.

Its graceful architecture, elegant arches, stained-glass windows and soaring twin spires have made it one of Karnataka’s most recognisable landmarks.

Completed in 1942 under Bishop René Feuga, made it a  Cathedral and soon became the spiritual heart of the Diocese of Mysore and an important destination for pilgrims from across India.

For almost a century now pilgrims from all over India have flocked to the shrine of St. Philomena in Mysuru seeking her intercession for healing and other favours.

Successive Bishops and Parish Priests of St. Joseph’s Cathedral have kept the devotion to St. Philomena alive.  

As part of the centenary celebration, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of Mysore, will offer a Thanksgiving Eucharist at 6 pm tomorrow at the shrine of St. Philomena.  

Rev. Fr. Alex Sequeira, the present Parish Priest has made all preparations befitting the grand occasion.