MUMBAI: A community-funded effort to restore a 475-year-old Cathedral in Vasai has reaped a rich reward. The conservation project of Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy village received the prestigious Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation announced in Bangkok Friday. China and Japan won top honours.The stone structure, built without cement, has weathered centuries of wear and tear to emerge stronger and immensely beautiful. The cost of the restoration was approximately Rs 4.5 crore, and the local population contributed with an open heart.The UNESCO citation read, “The conservation of the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, a tangible testament to the establishment of Catholicism in Maharashtra, is noteworthy for reviving a sixteenth-century structure that embodies the architectural legacy of the Portuguese colonial architecture in India. Of particular significance is the thoughtful restoration of the cathedral’s interior… The skilled use of traditional craftsmanship, especially in the hand-carved renewal of liturgical elements, successfully reinstated the interior as a living place of worship and communal devotion. Despite a modest budget, the project was realised through the parish community’s sustained engagement and donation network…”Conservation architect Ainsley Lewis executed the project. He told TOI, “Working with a community is always a challenge. This engagement required negotiation with all stakeholders. Every large structural intervention to the tiniest detail had to be explained. We would often back it up with philosophies of conservation. The outcome of this process was truly, a fulfilling experience.”Using appropriate technique and material, Lewis restored the roof, facade, corridors, colonnade and interiors. Years of well-meaning but erroneous repair had to be undone.The Cathedral’s former priest Fr John Furgose said work lasted from 2023-24. He said, “The Mangalore tiled roof was leaking, and the entire structure including bell tower was in a state of disrepair. The Cathedral is built of stone, using mud, since there were no bricks or cement at the time. (Former) Archbishop Felix Machado took keen interest in restoring it and I launched the task.”Parishioner Jerry D’Cunha, himself an architect, networked with Lewis. “We are very happy and proud that the Cathedral has won this recognition. Now hopefully more people will visit Vasai looking to explore this UNESCO award winning site,” D’Cunha laughed.The year 2025 was the silver jubilee of the awards. The highest Award of Distinction went to the Iwami Ginzan Library Conservation Project in Oda, Japan, and the Sihang Warehouse Conservation Project in Shanghai, China.The seven-member international jury also recognised outstanding projects across Malaysia, Nepal and Vanuatu. The winners were selected from 90 entries across 16 countries, a record number of applications. They were chosen based on understanding of place, technical achievement, and sustainability and impact.
