An anniversary to remember

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is celebrating 175 years since its dedication. Although the building was originally dedicated on February 23, 1851, the anniversary is observed on November 9 to coincide with the Feast of the Lateran Basilica.

Msgr. Martin Sirju, the Cathedral Administrator, noted that the current stone Gothic building replaced an earlier wooden structure that once stood in Tamarind Square. Governor Sir Ralph Woodford laid the foundation stone for the new site in 1816. The cathedral serves as the Mother Church for the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, hosting major events such as ordinations and the Chrism Mass.

The cathedral crypt serves as a burial site for several former archbishops, including Richard Patrick Smith, Vincent Flood OP, and John Pius Dowling OP. Sirju stated that the celebration honors both the cathedral and the wider archdiocese.