Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption 327 Second Street, Fall River, MA 02721

Welcome to the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, the spiritual heart of the Fall River Diocese, located at 327 Second Street, Fall River, Massachusetts. As the principal church of the Diocese, St. Mary’s Cathedral holds a significant place in the Catholic community, serving as the seat of the bishop and a gathering place for the faithful to celebrate the great feasts and important milestones of the local church.

Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her revered title of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Cathedral has a rich history that dates back to its original construction as a parish church. The cornerstone was laid on August 8, 1852, and the church was consecrated by Bishop John Fitzpatrick of Boston in 1855. Designed in the exquisite Gothic style by the esteemed architect Patrick C. Keeley, the Cathedral was built from native granite and features a striking steeple crowned with a gilded cross that soars 190 feet above the ground.

The Cathedral's interior is adorned with stunning stained glass windows, each telling a unique story. The oldest windows, of German origin, were installed in the nave in 1891. The sanctuary windows, designed in Brooklyn, followed in 1915, and the beautiful lancet windows above the choir loft, commemorating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, were added in 1952.

Over the years, St. Mary’s Cathedral has undergone several renovations to enhance its beauty and accommodate the evolving needs of worship, including significant updates in 1890-1891, 1912-1913, 1951, 1978-79, and 2000.

The Cathedral complex includes two chapels: the Lady Chapel, completed in 1869, serves as a Blessed Sacrament chapel for daily Mass, and the Bishop’s Chapel, dedicated to Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, completed in 1935. Beneath this chapel lies the Bishops’ Crypt, the final resting place for four bishops of Fall River.

St. Mary’s Cathedral is part of the Our Lady of Fall River Catholic Community, alongside neighboring parishes Good Shepherd and St. Stanislaus. Whether you are a local resident, a visitor, or a pilgrim, we invite you to explore the Cathedral's storied past and experience the profound sense of peace and devotion that it inspires.