The landmark basilica

Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, commonly known as St Mary’s Basilica, is a landmark building in the heart of Secunderabad whose history goes back to 175 years.

It is said to be one among the first churches built in the city.

A typical example of Indian Gothic style architecture, the church with its curved arches and pointed buttresses makes an iconic view in the area.

As with other Catholic churches, St. Mary's has side altars dedicated to saints.

With four rows of pews, two side sections and a provision for a balcony on the side, the church can accommodate a huge crowd within its structure.

Fr Daniel Murphy among Irish Catholics in the British Army began the construction of St Mary's church as a cathedral in 1840 making it the the largest church in the city during the 1850s.

The church ceased to be a cathedral in 1886, when the episcopal was moved from Secunderabad to Hyderabad.

In 1871, a few nuns from St. Anne at Turin opened a school at its premises, which is now the popular as St Ann's School.

Kevin Savio, a member of the parish shares, “The decree designating it as a basilica was issued on November 7, 2008.

Around the same time a statue of ‘Pieta,’ the mother of sorrows, was put up in front of the church that earned it the ire of ‘Heritage Conservation Committee’ (HCC).

This raised objections stating that it would mar the facade of the imposing church.

” The statue still stands in front of the church without it being of any hindrance.

“Christmas at St Mary’s is something I look forward to.

It brings the entire set up of the alter outside in front of the church while illuminating the front.

It looks like a scene from a movie.

That, along with the carols and the whole chilly mood for me defines my perfect experience for Christmas,” says Kevin.