This church is one of the oldest buildings in Bhopal city. During the princely era, the British military cantonment was in Sehore. Bhopal’s first church was built for the British officers stationed there.
Madam Isabella Elizabeth Bourbon commonly known as Dulhan Sahiba, an honorific title to the bride of Balthazar Bourbon-I, alias Shazad Masih Prime Minister of Bhopal, during the reign of Nawab Nazir-ullah Mohammad Khan Ruler of Bhopal, Purchased in 1852 AD.
Nawab Sikandar Jahan Begum, the 8th ruler of Bhopal state, gave permission to build this Catholic chh, which was built under the supervision of Father Bernard Pistoia in 1873 AD during the time of Bathazar Borbon alias Shahzad Masih, the successor of Salvador Borbon.
Princess Isabella Bourbon got the construction of the church building commenced on the 4th October 1873, and that could be erected and completed in 1875.
The establishment of a Catholic Church at Bhopal dates from the late half of the 19th century, an epoch episode of history, when Christianity dawned at the horizon of a Muslim conservative principality of Bhopal, in the heart of Central India.
Finally on 24th of October 1875, the Rev. Dr. Paul Josi, Cap Vicar Apostolic of Agra, assisted by Father Raphael and Father Norbert, solemnly blessed the church amidst a large gathering comprising of Princess Isabella Bourbon her relatives, dignitaries from the Begum’s palace and the Bhopal Christians. This Church was renovated in 1963 by the annual grant from the State and it was accorded the status of a Cathedral.
Within the main building of this celebrated church, right opposite to the altar final resting place means graves of Isabella Bourbon Founder of this church and her relatives and family members side by side.
The successors of Prince Balthazar Bourbon-I and Princess Isabella Elizabeth Bourbon still live in Bhopal and are a part and participant of this church and Bhopal diocese.
It’s the first Catholic Church dedicated to the St. Francis is a popular place of worship among the Roman Catholic Christians. It’s located in Jahangirabad, Bhopal which was the British Cantonment area and was built by Nawab Jahangir Mohammed Khan.