Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award has brought global attention to Vasai after the town’s iconic 475-year-old church earned a prestigious honour for heritage conservation.
The historic Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy village has received the Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2025 edition, marking a proud moment for the local community and heritage lovers across Maharashtra.
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award puts Vasai on global map
The recognition celebrates a meticulous restoration that revived the centuries-old structure while preserving its original character. Built entirely of stone using traditional methods without cement, the cathedral stands as a rare example of Portuguese-era architecture in the region.
The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award also acknowledges the remarkable role played by residents, parish members, and donors who collectively funded the conservation project, which cost approximately ₹4.5 crore.
Experts say this achievement highlights how community-driven heritage projects can succeed even with modest budgets when there is strong public participation.
Community effort behind Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award
According to the official citation by UNESCO, the project stands out for reviving a sixteenth-century structure that reflects the arrival and growth of Catholicism in Maharashtra.
The jury particularly praised the careful restoration of the cathedral’s interiors. Skilled artisans used traditional craftsmanship to recreate liturgical elements, ensuring the space remains both historically authentic and fully functional as a place of worship.
This thoughtful approach played a key role in securing the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award, as it balanced conservation with community use.
Technical restoration that led to the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award
The project was led by conservation architect Ainsley Lewis, who worked closely with local stakeholders. He explained that community engagement was central to the process, with each structural change carefully discussed and explained.
Restoration work included repairing the roof, façade, corridors, and colonnades, along with stabilising the bell tower. Earlier repair attempts that used unsuitable materials were reversed to bring the building back to its original condition.
Lewis noted that the collaborative process made the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award especially meaningful, as it reflected collective ownership of the heritage site.
Clergy and parishioners celebrate Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award
Former parish priest Fr John Furgose recalled that restoration work took place between 2023 and 2024. He highlighted the poor condition of the Mangalore-tiled roof and structural damage that had developed over time.
The initiative received strong support from former archbishop Felix Machado, whose interest helped drive the project forward.
Local architect and parishioner Jerry D’Cunha said the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award is a proud moment for Vasai and is expected to boost heritage tourism in the region.
Global context of the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award
The 2025 awards marked the silver jubilee year of the programme. Top honours went to conservation projects in Japan and China, including the Iwami Ginzan Library and the Sihang Warehouse.
An international jury evaluated 90 entries from 16 countries, the highest number to date. Projects were judged on technical excellence, sustainability, and impact on local communities.
The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award stands among several recognised initiatives across Asia-Pacific that demonstrate how heritage preservation can strengthen cultural identity while supporting tourism and education.
What the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award means for Vasai
For Vasai residents, the honour is more than just an international accolade. It reinforces the town’s historical importance and opens new opportunities for cultural tourism, research, and heritage walks.
Local civic groups believe the recognition will encourage authorities to prioritise preservation of other historic sites in the region.
Readers can also explore our coverage of Vasai’s heritage initiatives in another feature on VasaiCity.com (internal link).
For more details about the awards programme and conservation criteria, visit the official UNESCO heritage conservation resources.
Conclusion
The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral UNESCO Award is a landmark achievement that showcases the power of community collaboration and expert conservation. As visitors increasingly look toward Vasai for cultural experiences, the restored cathedral now stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of shared heritage and pride.
