The Basilica of Saint Mary

Description

The Catholic community in Natchez traces its origin to 1682 when Robert de la Salle and his party traveled from Lake Michigan down the Mississippi River. A priest in the explorer’s party celebrated the first documented Mass just south of Natchez. In 1722 a French Catholic parish was established and endured until 1763 when France lost the French and Indian War to Britain. Spain took control of the Natchez territory in 1779 and built a church on Commerce Street in 1778. Then in 1793, Natchez became part of the Diocese of Louisiana. From 1798 until 1839 — a total of 40 years — Natchez Catholics maintained their own community without a resident priest.

The Diocese of Natchez — the first diocese in Mississippi — was established in 1837. Four years later in 1841 Bishop John J. Chanche arrived as first bishop. Not long after his arrival, Bishop Chanche set about building a cathedral, the cornerstone of which was laid in 1842. The not-yet-finished Gothic Revival Cathedral — named Our Lady of Sorrows — was dedicated on December 25, 1843, but took 40 years to complete. Then on September 19, 1886, it was consecrated and remained the Cathedral of the Natchez Diocese until 1977.