St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

St. Philomena’s Church | Catholic Church Mysore Timings & History

St. Philomena’s Church, which is regarded as the second-tallest church in Asia, was built in honour of Saint Philomena, a Roman Catholic saint and martyr. Tourists from all across the nation regularly visit this place, which is among Mysore’s most significant historical landmarks. It is one of the city’s most recognisable monuments, and its Neo-Gothic construction, which gives it religious significance, makes it even more well-known to the general public. It is even more stunning in the evening sky.

The daughter of the Greek king, Saint Philomena had always been a devout follower of God and had faith in him. When she was thirteen, she was brought to meet the Emperor, who, upon observing her beauty, proposed marriage. She refused, though, and the emperor had her put to death. The church is a representation of Mysore’s secular perspective and religious unity.

History of St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

When St. Philomena’s Church was constructed in 1840, it was called St. Joseph Chavez. Originally a modest church, it took on its current shape in 1933 under Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV’s reign. The magnificent church was built for the city’s European citizens. However, a larger church was required due to the growing population. It took eight arduous years to finish, starting in 1933 and ending in 1941. The bones of St. Philomena are still kept in the cathedral today.

The daughter of the ruler of a tiny Greek state was St. Philomena. After much prayer, the monarch and his wife, who had been childless, were blessed with a baby girl they called Philomena. Since birth, the girl had been committed to God. When the girl was thirteen, the king brought her to Rome to ask Emperor Diocletian for assistance. The girl’s attractiveness captivated the emperor, who wanted to wed her. But because Philomena was a devout Christian, she declined to wed him. Unable to cope with this rejection, the emperor ordered her to be tortured before having her put to death. St. Philomena’s Church, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the girl.

Architecture of St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

The church is designed in the Victorian (Neo-Gothic) style, and it is modelled after the German Cathedral in Cologne. French artist Daly created the church’s design. The design is a cross, with the choir representing the cross’s intersection, the altar representing its upper portion, the transepts representing its two arms, and the congregation hall representing its longest end. The church can be seen from a mile away because to its two 175-foot-tall spires. The spires are similar to those of New York’s St. Patrick’s Church. On each spire, there is a cross that is twelve feet high.

The altar is adorned with a marble figure of St. Philomena. The bones of St. Philomena are housed in the catacomb under the altar. The church has enough space in its hall to hold 800 people. Beautifully designed murals and stained glass windows in the sanctum show events like Jesus Christ’s birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and final supper. France produced these eyeglasses. Three entrance doors and a couple smaller side doors that open into the prayer halls are features of the church. The church’s pillars are decorated with lovely floral designs.

Patron Saint of St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

The Roman Catholic Church martyred St. Philomena, a Latin Catholic saint. She was a fourth-century Greek princess and a follower of the Lord. On May 24, 1802, her remains were discovered in Rome’s Saint Priscilla catacombs. The tomb had a vase filled with dry blood and other symbols connected to her demise. Therefore, it was determined from all of these remnants that Philomena, a Christian, was interred in the cemetery with the vessel of her dry blood, which served as evidence of her martyrdom.

St. Philomena’s Church Mysore Timings 

Every day of the week, the church is open from 5:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

On weekdays, the mass is celebrated in the evening from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM and in the morning from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

On Sundays, the mass is celebrated from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, and 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Best Time To Visit St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

Since the weather is nice and enjoyable during this period, September through February is the ideal time of year to visit the church.

How To Reach St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

On Mysore’s Ashoka Road, St. Philomena’s Church is roughly 2 kilometres from the Mysore Palace and 3 km from the city bus stop. To get to the church, visitors can use a taxi or an autorickshaw.