"A really nice place that gives a calm and peaceful vibe. My mind felt so relaxed while visiting. The beautiful architecture and the well-maintained garden outside make it even more special. A perfect place for prayer and peace."

Lazy Ayaana

"The Infant Jesus Cathedral is a historic Roman Catholic church established by the Portuguese during 1614, situated at Tangasseri in the city of Kollam, India. It is now the cathedral of the Bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Kollam, the ancient and first catholic diocese of India.

The Church remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of old Quilon city. The history of Infant Jesus Cathedral dates back to 1503 when Tangasseri came under the control of the Portuguese. The Portuguese who came to Quilon in 1503 led by Afonso de Albuquerque made Tangasseri a well fortified city by building a fort, which was called St. Thomas Fort.

Saint Francis Xavier established a church, a college, a printing press, and a religious study centre at Tangasseri during his visits in 1544 and 1549.

In 1614, the Portuguese established the Infant Jesus church in its present location.

Later in 1661, Dutch gained control of Tangasseri and started deteriorating churches and other structures built by Portuguese.

But in 1789, the Carmelite missionaries, who have arrived at Quilon renovated this church and named it the Infant Jesus Church.

Quilon vicariate was formed in 1845. Messenger Charles Hyacinth Valerga, pro-vicar Apostolic of Quilon died in Tangasseri on 24 December 1864 and was buried in the church. His successor Msgr. Maria Ephrem Carrelon was consecrated in Tangasseri in 1866.

Infant Jesus Church has been serving as the pro-cathedral of the Diocese of Quilon since 1886. Former Bishop of Quilon Jerome M. Fernandez is also buried in the Infant Jesus Cathedral.

The old church was demolished and the foundation stone was laid by bishop Joseph G Fernandez in 2000 during the tenure of Monsingor Paul Mullassery.

Later in the year 2001 Stanley Roman became the Bishop of Quilon and continued construction.

The new structure was completed in 2005 and was consecrated by Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, the Archbishop of Ranchi, on 3 December 2005, and elevated from pro-cathedral to cathedral.

The church has mosaic paintings and glass paintings depicting various stages of Jesus's life. The biggest glass painting is that of the patroness of the Diocese of Quilon, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

A huge bell tower having 3 century-old bells is an adjacent structure to the cathedral, along with a small shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph.

A small chapel is located under the cathedral and is used for small prayer meetings and masses.

In 2015, the bell tower was renovated and three new shrines dedicated to various Catholic saints were concentrated. The saints whose statues are placed are Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Sebastian, Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Devasahayam Pillai.

The remains of Jerome M. Fernandez, the first native Bishop of Quilon, are buried in the prayer crypt below the Cathedral. Bishop Fernandez was elevated to the status of Servant of God—the first of four steps to sainthood—by Pope Francis on 25 February, 2019."

Shaji George

"Built by the Portuguese in 1614, Infant Jesus Cathedral is a prominent name in the list of beautiful churches of Kollam and it was renovated into the present huge and marvellous church about a decade ago.

Formerly known as Bom Jesus Church, this Roman Catholic church is dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier and is one of the most popular churches in Kollam."

Adv DEEPI ASHOK