St. Philomena's Church in Mysore is 200 years old. In South India, it is one of the largest churches. It is located on the Ashoka Road, Mysore. It is the most beautiful church in Karnataka. This church is very near to the Masjid-e-Azam mosque and is 1 km from the famous Mysore Palace. It is a famous landmark in Mysore. This religious place attracts numerous tourists across the world.

History

Initially, there was a small church at the same place, where you see beautiful St. Philomena's Church today. In 1799, Mysore city was declared as the capital of Mysore state. Previously, it was Srirangapatnam. During that time, many soldiers and British officers settled in Mysore. King of Mysore, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III decided to build the Christian Church for these people. They gave small land on the Mysore-Banglore road and then the small Church was built in 1843, which was known as St. Joseph Chaver.

It has twin towers at a height of 175 feet with gothic designs. The well known Mysore Palace is just 1 km away from the church.

As the city’s population increased, the necessity of a large church was in demand. In 1933, father Cochet request the King of Mysore, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, to build the new church in honor of St. Philomena. St. Philomena was a holy saint of Greece. Maharaja agreed and the foundation was laid on 28th October, 1933, on the same place where earlier church was built. Construction was completed over 8 years under the supervision of Bishop Rene Fuga. St. Philomena’s church was functional from 1941.
Daly, who is French architect, designed the St. Philomena’s Church in Mysore. St. Philomena’s Church has Neo Gothic style of architecture, which was the famous style in Europe, that time. Design of the St. Philomena’s Church is inspired by the Cologne Cathedral of Germany. The architecture of the church is the fantastic work of art. The floor plan of the St. Philomena’s Church is like a cross. The big Congregation Hall is the long part of the cross and transepts are the 2 arms of the cross. The Altar, which is a beautiful marble structure, is located at the top portion of the cross and the choir is at the intersection or crossing. St. Philomena’s statue, which was brought from France specially, is placed on the marble altar. Relic of St. Philomena is in the underground catacomb. Entry of this underground catacomb is from the end of the congregation hall. Tainted glass windows contain paintings, which portrays many special events such as birth of Jesus Christ, the last Supper, the Crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus.

Pillars of the church were designed with beautiful and nice floral patterns. ST. Philomena’s Church has 3 main doors and many side doors. Congregation hall can accommodate 800 people. Height and length of the church is identical, which is 175 feet. This is a unique feature of the St. Philomena’s Church. Two spires of the church are the most attractive feature of the church and it reminds you the spires of St. Patrick’s Church in New York. The cross, which is 12 feet long, has placed on each of the spire.

St. Philomena’s Church runs the orphanage, which is within the premises of the church. It welcomes people from all religions. It is open from 5 AM to 6 PM every day. This church has free entry.

St. Philomena’s Church is known as the second largest church in Asia.

Mass Timing

Holy Mass is performed everyday in the morning as well as in the evening, in Kannada, Tamil and English.