About Syro-Malabar Cathedral of St. Alphonsa, Preston
Religion, Cathedrals, Interesting Places
The Syro-Malabar Cathedral of St Alphonsa also St Ignatius Church is a Catholic cathedral of Syro Malabar rite in Preston, Lancashire, under the administration of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Great Britain (before under Diocese of Lancaster). It is situated close to the Preston city centre and the entrance to it is along Meadow Street. The building was opened in 1836 and was the first church in Preston to have a spire.
Since January 2015, the church has been used as a cathedral for the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
On 28 July 2016 Pope Francis raised the status of the church to that of cathedral and appointed Messenger Joseph (Benny Mathew) Srampickal as the first bishop.