About Immaculate Conception · Mobile, Alabama
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, and the seat of its archbishop. Located on South Claiborne Street in downtown Mobile's Church Street East / Lower Dauphin Street Historic Districts, the Greek Revival cathedral was built to the designs of French-born architect Claude Beroujon and consecrated by Bishop Michael Portier on December 8, 1850. Pope John XXIII raised it to the status of a Minor Basilica in 1962. The parish itself traces its origin to 1703, making the cathedral congregation the oldest Catholic parish on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
- Established
- 1703 (parish); 1850 (present cathedral building)
- Patron
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
- Rector
- Msgr. William J. "Father Bill" Skoneki (Rector; also Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Mobile)
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Mobile
Why belong here
The Cathedral Basilica is the historic spiritual heart of Catholic life in Mobile and along the entire Gulf Coast, with a Mass schedule that includes a Saturday Vigil, two Sunday Masses (8:00 AM, 10:30 AM), and a daily 12:10 PM Mass — accommodating both downtown residents and pilgrims. The parish supports an active roster of ministries (Lector, Altar Server, Usher, Altar Society, Prayer Network, Choir, and St. Vincent de Paul Society), a celebrated music program under Choir Director Elizabeth Mayrose and Organist Clinton Doolittle, and the daily and weekly rhythm of Eucharistic adoration and confession that anchor downtown Catholic devotion. Worshipping here means participating in the same sanctuary where Bishop Portier celebrated in 1850 and where Pope John Paul II was presented with a photograph of the cathedral by Archbishop Lipscomb — a living link to 320+ years of Catholic heritage in Alabama.
Mass times at Immaculate Conception
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday – Friday: 11:45 AM to 12:05 PM (before the 12:10 PM Mass)
- Saturday: 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM (before the 4:30 PM Vigil Mass)
- Anytime on request
History of the Cathedral Parish
The Cathedral Parish is the oldest Catholic congregation on the Gulf Coast. On July 20, 1703, Bishop Jean-Baptiste de la Croix de Chevrières de Saint-Vallier of Quebec established the parish at Fort Louis de la Louisiane, one year after the founding of Mobile. Father Henri Roulleaux de la Vente was installed as its first pastor in 1704, and the parish register's first entry records the 1703 baptism of a young Apalache woman. Successive parish churches preceded the present cathedral, including a 1793 Spanish-era church at Royal and Conti that burned in 1827 and was replaced by a wooden structure and a small brick church on Conti Street. During the Spanish period in 1781, the parish took its present name, the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
- 1703 — parish established at Fort Louis de la Louisiane
- 1704 — Father Henri Roulleaux de la Vente installed as first pastor
- 1711 — Mobile relocated; new parish church built on Royal Street (Notre Dame de la Mobile)
- 1781 — parish renamed the Church of the Immaculate Conception during the Spanish period
- 1829 — Diocese of Mobile erected; Bishop Michael Portier named first bishop
- 1835 — cornerstone of the present cathedral laid by Bishop Portier
- 1850, Dec. 8 — cathedral consecrated on the feast of the Immaculate Conception
- 2003, Dec. 8 — parish celebrated 300 years of Catholic Mobile (tercentennial)
- 2023 — parish marks 320 years as a Catholic congregation
Building the Cathedral (1835–1850)
Bishop Michael Portier envisioned a 'real' cathedral befitting the young diocese, and in 1833 hired the French-born former seminarian Claude Beroujon — already known in Mobile for designing Spring Hill College's first building (1831) and the Visitation Convent (1833) — to draw up a Roman basilica plan. On November 29, 1835, Portier laid the cornerstone in the block bounded by Claiborne, Conti, Franklin, and Dauphin streets. The 162-by-90-foot foundations were in place by 1837, but the Panic of 1837 and a yellow fever epidemic in 1839 halted construction. Work resumed in the mid-1840s, supported by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in France and gifts from Mobile's Catholics and non-Catholics alike; by 1845 the brickwork was finished, but finances delayed the roof until 1850. Bishop Portier consecrated the finished brick cathedral on December 8, 1850, but was unable to fund the classical portico and towers at that time.
- Architect: Claude Beroujon (French-born former seminarian)
- Style: Greek Revival / Roman basilica plan, brick construction
- Cornerstone laid: November 29, 1835
- Consecration: December 8, 1850
- Original dimensions: 162 × 90 ft foundations; final interior 164 × 90 ft with 60-ft ceiling
Successive Bishops & Major Renovations
Generations of Mobile's bishops completed and embellished the cathedral. Bishop John Quinlan (1859–1883) added the hexastyle Doric portico of eight massive columns and the landmark cast-iron fence in the 1870s. Bishop Jeremiah O'Sullivan (1885–1896) completed the twin towers and steeples in 1884. Bishop Edward P. Allen (1897–1926) commissioned the celebrated stained-glass windows from the Munich studios of Franz Mayer & Co., installed 1890–1910. Bishop Thomas J. Toolen rebuilt the sanctuary and marble aisles on the centenary of the diocese in 1929 and, after the devastating March 19, 1954 fire, sent the damaged windows back to Munich for restoration, installed a new Wicks organ, and added the massive bronze baldachin over the altar; under him the cathedral was designated a Minor Basilica in 1962 and the crypt chapel was completed in 1964. Bishop John L. May (1969–1980) modified the sanctuary for Vatican II, moved the altar forward, removed the altar rails, repositioned the cathedra, and repaired the steeples after Hurricane Frederick in 1979. Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb (1980–2008) led the 2001–2004 Cathedral Restoration Project. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi (2008–2025) oversaw the 2017–2020 restoration of the remaining Franz Mayer windows. Archbishop Mark Steven Rivituso, formerly of St. Louis, was installed as the present archbishop on September 3, 2025.
- Bishop John Quinlan — portico & cast-iron fence (1870s)
- Bishop Jeremiah O'Sullivan — twin towers and steeples (1884)
- Bishop Edward P. Allen — Franz Mayer & Co. stained-glass windows (1890–1910)
- Bishop Thomas J. Toolen — 1929 sanctuary renovation; post-1954 fire restoration; minor-basilica designation (1962); crypt chapel (1964)
- Bishop John L. May — Vatican II sanctuary reordering (1970s); Hurricane Frederick steeples (1979)
- Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb — 2001–2004 Cathedral Restoration Project
- Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi — 2017–2020 stained-glass restoration
- Archbishop Mark Steven Rivituso — installed September 3, 2025
The 1954 Fire and its Aftermath
On March 19, 1954 — the Feast of St. Joseph — a homeless man sheltering in the cathedral basement accidentally started a fire that destroyed the sanctuary floor, flooded the basement, and caused heavy smoke damage. Eight of the twelve great Franz Mayer stained-glass windows, the original cathedra, the pulpit, and the pipe organ were lost. Two firefighters, both former altar boys, ran into the burning building to retrieve religious objects. Bishop Thomas Toolen sent the damaged windows back to Franz Mayer's Munich workshops, commissioned new mahogany cathedra and pulpit, installed a replacement pipe organ by the Wicks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois, and erected a bronze baldachin supported by four marble columns above the altar. Damage was estimated at $250,000, not entirely covered by insurance.
- Cause: fire in basement, March 19, 1954
- Losses: 8 stained-glass windows, cathedra, pulpit, pipe organ
- Two firefighters (former altar boys) rescued religious objects
- Restoration led by Bishop Thomas J. Toolen
- Stained-glass windows restored by Franz Mayer & Co., Munich
- New pipe organ by Wicks Organ Company (Highland, Illinois)
- New bronze baldachin with four marble columns installed above altar
Architectural Features
The cathedral is the largest Greek Revival church in the region. Its east–west axis measures 164 × 90 feet, with a vaulted ceiling that peaks at 60 feet and twin towers reaching 103 feet. Eight Doric columns support the classical portico on the façade, while the interior is articulated with Corinthian pilasters. The interior is dominated by twelve monumental stained-glass windows (six on each side of the nave) by Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich, each about 8 feet wide and 23 feet tall.
- Style: Greek Revival with Roman basilica plan
- Materials: brick walls, brick pilasters with Corinthian capitals inside, Carrara marble aisles, heart-pine under pews
- Towers: 103 ft tall, twin
- Ceiling: 60 ft at peak; coffered ceiling with alternating gold-leaf fleur-de-lis and shamrock (2003)
- Stained glass: Franz Mayer & Co., Munich; main windows installed 1890–1910; full restoration 2017–2020
- Two flanking windows: Baptism of Jesus (north) and St. Cecilia (south)
- Eight smaller foyer panels depicting St. Augustine, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Presentation of Mary, St. Louis IX, St. Patrick, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, St. Agnes, and the Sacred Heart; Holy Spirit window above middle doors
- Bronze baldachin over altar with four marble columns
- Bronze Risen Christ above baldachin, large crucifix over tabernacle (Vatican II reordering, 1970s)
- Tree of Jesse mural above the pipe organ (Lipscomb restoration)
- Wicks pipe organ (post-1954)
Minor Basilica Designation
On March 14, 1962, Pope John XXIII elevated the cathedral to the rank of Minor Basilica, an honor reserved for churches of antiquity or of outstanding historical, cultural, or artistic importance. As a basilica, the cathedral displays the umbrellino (a small silk umbrella in alternating papal red and yellow) and the tintinnabulum (a small bell modeled on those rung in Rome's major basilicas to announce the pope's arrival). The pope's personal coat-of-arms is installed above the cathedral's main entrance.
- Designation date: 1962, by Pope John XXIII
- Umbrellino: red-and-yellow silk umbrella in the sanctuary
- Tintinnabulum: basilica bell in the sanctuary
- Papal coat-of-arms displayed above the main entrance
Music & Liturgy
The cathedral maintains a robust music program under Choir Director Elizabeth Mayrose and Organist Clinton Doolittle. The pipe organ in current use was installed after the 1954 fire and built by the Wicks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois. The south tower window honors St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. Two worship aids — the Lector and Altar Server ministries — support daily and Sunday liturgy, along with ushers, the Altar Society, the Prayer Network, and the parish Choir.
- Choir Director: Elizabeth Mayrose (musicmobilecathedral.org)
- Organist: Clinton Doolittle (musicmobilecathedral.org)
- Pipe organ: Wicks Organ Company (Highland, Illinois), installed after 1954 fire
- St. Cecilia window (south tower) honors patroness of musicians
Parish Ministries
The Cathedral Parish supports a roster of lay ministries that sustain daily Mass, devotions, and outreach. Parishioners serve as lectors, altar servers, ushers, and choir members; the Altar Society cares for the sanctuary and liturgical linens; the Prayer Network prays for the intentions of parishioners; and the St. Vincent de Paul Society serves the poor of the Mobile area.
- Lector
- Altar Server
- Usher
- Altar Society
- Prayer Network
- Choir
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
Sacraments at the Cathedral
As the cathedral-church of the Archdiocese of Mobile, the Cathedral Basilica celebrates the sacraments according to the Archdiocese of Mobile's pastoral norms. The most detailed public policies concern the Sacrament of Matrimony: the cathedral is reserved for Catholic weddings only; couples must contact their parish priest or deacon at least six months in advance; an archdiocesan marriage-preparation program (Engaged Encounter or Evenings for the Engaged) is required; and instruction in Natural Family Planning is required for all couples. Confessions are heard Mon–Fri 11:45 AM–12:05 PM, Sat 3:30–4:15 PM, and by request at any time.
- Matrimony: Catholic weddings only; 6-month notice required; Engaged Encounter or Evenings for the Engaged; NFP instruction required
- Reconciliation: Mon–Fri 11:45 AM–12:05 PM, Sat 3:30–4:15 PM, and on request
- Eucharist: see Mass schedule above
- Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick: coordinated through the parish office (251-434-1565)
Weddings at the Cathedral
Weddings at the Cathedral Basilica follow both the cathedral's own policies and the Archdiocese of Mobile's marriage-preparation policy. The cathedral may be reserved only for the Sacrament of Matrimony; non-Catholic ceremonies are not permitted. Couples must designate a Catholic priest or permanent deacon to witness the vows and ensure all canonical requirements for a valid Catholic wedding have been met. The Portier House, the historic Greek Revival residence adjacent to the cathedral, is available for wedding receptions at $150/hour or $1,250/day plus cleaning fee and special-events liability insurance.
- Catholic weddings only (no non-Catholic ceremonies)
- Officiating priest/deacon must be designated and provide testimonial
- Wedding Reservation Form required; not booked until confirmed by Cathedral Office
- Receptions: Portier House rental ($150/hr or $1,250/day + $100 cleaning + $100 insurance)
- Includes 8 round (60-inch) tables, 4 oblong (6-ft) tables, 65 white folding chairs
The Portier House
On the southeast corner of Conti and Claiborne Streets stands the Greek Revival Creole dwelling that served as the residence of the Bishop of Mobile from 1834 until the first decade of the twentieth century — the Portier House, named after the diocese's first bishop. Purchased by Bishop Michael Portier in 1834, the home housed the first five bishops of Mobile until 1906; it subsequently served the Catholic Daughters of America during the Great Depression, operated as a USO hall in World War II, and has been leased to several families over the years. The Diocese of Mobile restored the house in 1958, placed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and renovated it again in 2007; many of its antique furnishings date to the French Empire period. Today the Portier House is used by priests vesting before Cathedral liturgies and is available for private rentals — weddings, receptions, and other events.
- Built: pre-1834; purchased by Bishop Michael Portier, 1834
- Use: residence of Mobile's first five bishops until 1906
- Later use: Catholic Daughters of America (Great Depression); USO hall (WWII); rental residence
- Restored by Diocese of Mobile in 1958; renovated again in 2007
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970
- Today: priests vest here before Cathedral liturgies; private rental venue
- Antique French Empire furnishings
Staff & Parish Office
The Cathedral Parish is led by Rector Msgr. William J. 'Father Bill' Skoneki, who also serves as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Mobile. He is assisted by two permanent deacons — Deacon John Archer and Deacon George Ralph — and a small lay staff: Parish Secretary Sandra Ramos, Bookkeeper/Sacristan James Wetzel, Choir Director Elizabeth Mayrose, and Organist Clinton Doolittle. The parish office can be reached at 251-434-1565 or [email protected]; the mailing address is 400 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602.
- Rector: Msgr. William J. 'Father Bill' Skoneki ([email protected])
- Deacon: John Archer ([email protected])
- Deacon: George Ralph ([email protected])
- Parish Secretary: Sandra Ramos ([email protected])
- Bookkeeper/Sacristan: James Wetzel ([email protected])
- Choir Director: Elizabeth Mayrose ([email protected])
- Organist: Clinton Doolittle ([email protected])
- Phone: 251-434-1565
- Mailing: 400 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602
Window Preservation & Online Giving
The cathedral invites support for the ongoing preservation of the Franz Mayer & Co. stained-glass windows (completed 2017–2020) and accepts online giving through its website. Major restoration efforts have included the 2017–2020 stained-glass restoration, the 2001–2004 Cathedral Restoration Project (exterior and interior), and protective Lexicon glazing for hurricane protection along the Gulf Coast.
- Window Preservation campaign
- Online Giving via mobilecathedral.org
- Lexicon protective glazing installed on exterior for hurricane protection
- Restoration of the Nativity window completed during 2001–2004 project
- Restoration of remaining eleven Franz Mayer windows completed 2020
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Henri Roulleaux de la Vente1704–
First pastor of the Mobile parish (Church of Fort Louis de la Louisiane), canonically installed by Bishop de Saint-Vallier of Quebec; first recorded baptism was of an Apalache Native American woman in 1703/1704.
- Bishop Michael Portier1829–1859
First Bishop of Mobile; founder of the present cathedral building; laid the cornerstone in 1835 and consecrated the cathedral on December 8, 1850. Served as the de facto pastor/bishop of the cathedral parish for the diocese's first three decades.
- Bishop John Quinlan1859–1883
Second Bishop of Mobile; oversaw addition of the Doric portico and cast-iron fence in the 1870s.
- Bishop Jeremiah O'Sullivan1885–1896
Fourth Bishop; completed the twin towers and steeples (1884) during his tenure.
- Bishop Edward Patrick Allen1897–1926
Fifth Bishop; commissioned the Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich stained-glass windows (installed 1890–1910).
- Bishop Thomas J. Toolen1927–1969
Sixth Bishop (elevated Archbishop ad personam in 1954); led repairs after the March 19, 1954 fire, sent windows to Munich for restoration, installed the Wicks organ, and added the bronze baldachin; oversaw 1962 minor-basilica designation and 1964 completion of the crypt chapel.
- Bishop/Archbishop John L. May1969–1980
Seventh Bishop of Mobile-Birmingham; modified the sanctuary to comply with Vatican II's General Instruction of the Roman Missal (moved altar forward, removed altar rails, repositioned cathedra, added Risen Christ and crucifix). Repaired steeples after Hurricane Frederick in 1979.
- Archbishop Oscar Hugh Lipscomb1980–2008
First Archbishop of Mobile; led the 2001–2004 three-year Cathedral Restoration Project (Conrad Schmitt Studios interior, Carrara marble floor, coffered ceiling, stained-glass protective glazing).
- Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi2008–2025
Second Archbishop; oversaw 2017–2020 restoration of the remaining Franz Mayer windows.
- Archbishop Mark Steven Rivituso2025–present
Third Archbishop; installed September 3, 2025 at the Cathedral Basilica, former auxiliary bishop of St. Louis.
- Msgr. William J. 'Father Bill' Skonekipresent
Current Rector of the Cathedral Basilica and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Mobile.
