Cathedral of the Holy Name

The Cathedral of the Holy Name is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Colaba, South Mumbai. Built in the Gothic Revival style and opened for worship in 1905, it serves as the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Bombay and the seat of the Archbishop. Declared a heritage building in 1998, it features frescoes by A. Moscheni and stained glass imported from Munich. It remains an active place of worship and a significant colonial-era architectural landmark.

Visitors can expect to see a Gothic Revival structure with frescoed ceilings depicting biblical scenes, stained glass windows, and a white marble altar. The cathedral is an active place of worship where daily masses are held in English and Konkani. The interior offers a serene atmosphere with ornate archways, statues of saints, and a choir loft accessible by spiral stairs. As a functioning religious site, visitors should expect a quiet environment respectful of ongoing prayers and services.

Foundation stone laid on July 9, 1902, and opened for public worship on January 15, 1905. Elevated to Pro-Cathedral status in January 1942 and consecrated as a full cathedral on November 28, 1964, coinciding with the 38th International Eucharistic Congress and the first papal visit to India by Pope Paul VI. Designed by architect W.A. Chambers, it replaced the earlier Fort Chapel on Medows Street which had served the Catholic community since 1767.

Serves as the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Bombay and the seat of the Archbishop, making it the central Roman Catholic institution in Mumbai. The main door was designated a Holy Door of Mercy by Pope Francis, making it a pilgrimage site for Catholics seeking purification and forgiveness. The cathedral hosts significant liturgical events including Easter, Holy Week services, and Christmas midnight mass, and contains relics gifted by multiple popes including vestments from Pope John XXIII and Pope Pius XII.