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We exist to serve our community
Holy Cross Cathedral is a Catholic community devoted to worshipping God in spirit and truth, faithfully living out the teachings of the Church, and serving all with love.
A brief history
Catholicism was first practiced in Lagos by the Brazilian repatriates in the 19th Century. They had adopted this faith while they were in Brazil.
There was no Catholic Priest in Lagos and the repatriates were spiritually abandoned. This situation reached a certain Carmelite trained person known as Padre Antonio who left Brazil for Lagos to be a Missioner among his people.
In 1863 the yearnings of the Brazilian repatriates yielded good fruit when Rev. Fr. Borghero of the SMA came to Lagos from Quidah in the Vicariate of Dahomey. This enthusiastic Missionary brought the shinning light of Catholicism to Lagos.
In 1864 he secured two plots of land one at Broad Street where St. Mary's is and the other at the present site.The first Bamboo Church was erected at Broad Street. With the help of the Brazilian Community Rev Fr. Borghero mounted a large wooden cross on the site of the Cathedral as a symbol of the faith.
The building of the Pro-Cathedral
As the Catholic congregation grew, the old bamboo church was not conducive for the teeming population, which was now about 2000 men, women, and children. There was a need for a new church; hence, the building of the Pro-Cathedral. The laying of the foundation stone was carried out in 1878.
It was a great building with two massive towers. The Master Masons were Senhors Lazaro Borges da Silva, Francisco Nobre, and Marcellino Ferreira. The painters were Senhors Walter Siffre and Quizino Roberto. The cabinet making was done by Senhor Balthalzor dos Reise. All Brazilian emancipados.
Rev. Fr. Carambauld was in charge: The pro-cathedral was completed in 1881 and blessed. In 1891 Rev. Fr. Jean Baptiste Chausse was consecrated bishop in France and arrived Lagos on 15th October, 1891, as the first bishop.
The church started to grow in Leaps and bounds. With the influx of returned emancipadoes after the emancipation in Brazil, the Pro-Cathedral became too small and was demolished in 1934 to give way to the New Holy Cross Cathedral.
The new Holy Cross Cathedral
The laying of the foundation stone of the new cathedral was carried out by Bishop Francis I.O. Rourke on 6th August, 1934.
Rev. Fr. Aimee Simon was the builder and assisted by Brazilian Masons and Cappa and A'Iberto. The Cathedral is a fine example of Gothic architecture, which is cruxiform in design. The Western long arm is the NAVES the crossbar is the transept, usually called North and South* The high altar is placed in the east grid, and the main entrance is in the west at Oil Mill Street.
The rose window on the west front was by the students of Holy Cross and St. Mary's. The Cathedral has played host to the first visit to Lagos by the Papal Lagate of the British East and West African colonies. Archbishop Riberi in 1937 the first Cardinal to step on Nigeria's soil, Cardinal Francis McIntyre in 1954 during the Marian Congress, and on 16th February, 19823 Pope John Paul Il who is now a Saint, said Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral the only Cathedral during his historic state visit to Nigeria.
Meet our leaders
Most Reverend Dr Alfred Adewale Martins
Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos
Most Reverend Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins is the fourth Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, a position he has held since his installation in August 2012. He is widely recognized for his transformative leadership and deep concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of the less privileged
He has overseen significant institutional expansion, including the expansion of deanaries from 7 to 20, the growth of Augustine University and the establishment of Caritas Lagos to support marginalized communities. A respected voice in Nigeria’s national discourse, Archbishop Martins is widely recognized for his commitment to spiritual renewal, social justice, and the promotion of religious harmony across the region.
Rev. Fr. Paul Kehinde Ijasan
Parish administrator
Our community is led by the Very Rev. Fr. Paul Kehinde Ijasan, a priest whose ministry is defined by a profound blend of intellectual depth and compassionate pastoral care. His leadership ensures that the Cathedral remains a vibrant center of worship, tradition, and community life.
Beyond his local pastoral duties, Fr. Ijasan is a recognized Canon Lawyer and an erudite scholar. His expertise in Church law is utilized at the highest levels of governance within the Archdiocese, where he serves as a vital member of the Archdiocesan Curia.
His ability to navigate the complexities of ecclesiastical law while remaining grounded in the Gospel makes him an invaluable asset to the Archbishop and the wider Catholic community.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fashanu
Assistant parish administrator
Serving alongside the Administrator, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fashanu is a dynamic priest whose ministry is characterized by a "hands-on" approach to the Gospel. In an era of rapid digital connection, Fr. Emmanuel serves the wider archdiocese as the assistant director of social communications. HJe works to ensure that the message of Christ reaches every corner of Lagos and beyond, utilizing media to build bridges between the Church and the world.
With a rare blend of passion and humility, he proclaims the Word of God in a way that is both piercing and transformative.As the Chaplain of the Youth, Fr. Emmanuel is a mentor and spiritual father to the young people of the Cathedral. He understands the unique challenges facing today’s youth and provides a safe space for them to grow in faith, leadership, and service.
Core beliefs
These truths shape who we are and guide how we live as a parish community.
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.