Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries was originally built in 1767, but the present cathedral was begun in 1894, on the site of the earlier one.  It was completed in 1897.  Designed by Father Scoles, Vicar-General of British  Guyana, the work was inspired by Father Louis Tapon, both of whom are commemorated on plaques inside the cathedral.  It was consecrated by Archbishop Dowling in 1931, and became a cathedral in 1957 when the Castries diocese was established.  In 1999, this massive cathedral, the largest in the Caribbean, was given the honorary status of Minor Basilica.  80% of Saint Lucians are Catholics today.