Holy Rosary Cathedral, Kaohsiung



The Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (officially called ) is the oldest Roman Catholic church and Minor Basilica in the Republic of China. The shrine is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the venerated title of “Our Lady of Holy Rosary”. It is located in Lingya District, Kaohsiung and is the seat of the Bishop of Kaohsiung.

Pope John Paul II raised the shrine to the status of Minor Basilica via his Pontifical decree Deipara in Cælis on 22 May 1995. The decree was signed and notarized by the former Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

History
The original cathedral was first established in 1858 to 1860 by the Kingdom of Spain based in the Philippines. It was started by Spaniard Catholic priests, Father Fernando Sainz of the Dominican Order and Father Angelo Bofurull. It was rebuilt to its present dimensions in 1928.

An image of the Madonna and Child of the Holy Rosary dates back from 1863 and is enshrined within the high altar of the basilica.

Roman Architecture
The architectural style is modeled after both Gothic and Romanesque. The interior design is loosely similar to that of Manila Cathedral in the Philippines.

Religious services
At this shrine, Catholic Mass is offered daily. Due to its nearby vicinity to the Love River, it is also a popular tourist site for romantic lovers and families. The cathedral is mostly known throughout Kaohsiung for its annual Christmas Eve celebrations, which lasts the whole evening before Christmas Day.

Transportation
The cathedral is accessible within walking distance west from Central Park Station of Kaohsiung MRT.