HomeHeadlinenewsDown Memory Lane: The History of Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.

Down Memory Lane: The History of Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.

The History of Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos

The foundation stone of Holy Cross Pro-Cathedral was laid in 1878, but its history dates back to 1864 and is deeply connected to the Brazilian repatriates, who began returning from forced exile around 1838.

During the dark era of the transatlantic slave trade, many Nigerians were taken to Brazil by the Portuguese to work under oppressive conditions. However, during their time in exile, they acquired the language, culture, and religion of their captors. Upon their return to their homeland, they brought back a basic understanding of Western civilization and Catholicism.

The Brazilian Quarters and Catholic Worship

The repatriates, who spoke Portuguese and shared a similar way of life, settled in the same part of Lagos, forming what became known as the Brazilian Quarters or Popo Aguda (Popo Maro). They established a tight-knit community, not only preserving their acquired culture but also remaining devoted to the Catholic faith.

Every Sunday, they gathered for religious worship in the home of their most influential leader, Senhor Isidore Ezechiel de Souza. The services were conducted in Portuguese by a highly respected lay religious leader known as “Padre Antonio.” For 25 years (1838–1863), he led the community in faith and was revered for his pious lifestyle and deep spirituality.

The Arrival of the First Catholic Priest

In 1861, upon hearing about a Catholic priest in Whydah (Dahomey, now Benin Republic), the Brazilian repatriates sent an appeal requesting his assistance. This led to the arrival of Reverend Father Borghero in 1863, making him the first Catholic priest to visit Lagos. On September 24, 1863, he celebrated the first Catholic Mass on Lagos Island, where he received a hero’s welcome.

The Establishment of Holy Cross Mission

The year 1864 marked three major milestones in the establishment of what would become Holy Cross Cathedral:

The Brazilian community, led by Senhor Isidore Ezechiel de Souza, began negotiations with the British government to acquire land for a church.

Father Borghero returned to Lagos and claimed the land allocated to the Catholic community.

A large wooden cross was erected on the site, and the community vowed to build a church dedicated to the Holy Cross.

This marked the official beginning of Holy Cross Mission.

Growth and Construction of the Cathedral

In 1868, Reverend Father Bouche arrived as the first resident priest of Holy Cross Mission, initially lodging at Marble Hall (now the site of the CMS Bookshop).

In 1873, Fr. Bouche returned from Europe with four Reverend Sisters—Veronique, Clara, Joseph, and Colette—to work among women and girls.

The first community of priests—Fathers Borghero, Chausse, Clond, and Bouche—all from the Society of African Missions (SMA), took up residence in Holy Cross Mission in 1875.

By 1878, the foundation stone of Holy Cross Pro-Cathedral was officially laid.

Mother Veronique later wrote about the enthusiastic participation of the community in the construction:

“From the laying of the foundation in 1878, there was incredible enthusiasm. Senhor Lazarus Borges da Silva led the team of master masons. Men, women, and children joined in carrying bricks from the waterside to the church site. Even Governor Sir C. Alfred Moloney joined the procession of workers, while the government band played to encourage them.”

Completion and Expansion

In 1880, Father Chausse became Vicar Apostolic and entrusted the supervision of the cathedral’s construction to Father Carambon.

By 1881, the church building—with one tower—was completed, blessed, and inaugurated on the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary.

A second tower was added in 1883, and the cathedral remained in this form until 1934, when the growing Catholic population necessitated the construction of a larger cathedral.

Under Bishop O’Rourke, the foundation stone of the current Holy Cross Cathedral was laid in August 1934. Father Aime Simeon, remembered for his tireless dedication, oversaw the building’s construction.

Consecration of the New Holy Cross Cathedral

The new Holy Cross Cathedral was consecrated on April 18, 1969, by Archbishop J.K.A. Aggey. A young priest, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, served as Master of Ceremonies during the event. Following Archbishop Aggey’s passing in 1973, Okogie succeeded him as the head of the Archdiocese.

Today, Holy Cross Cathedral remains a significant landmark of Catholicism in Lagos, standing as a testament to the faith, resilience, and unity of the Brazilian repatriates and the Catholic faithful.

According to Headlinenews.news research, the new Holy Cross Cathedral was built by Nigeria’s Foremost Construction Company, Cappa D’Alberto, and consecrated by Archbishop J.K.Aggey in 1969.

 

Dr. G. Fraser. MFR

Headlinenews.news

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