Our Lady of Good Help

Marian Advocation of Roseau (Roseau)
Recognized by the Church

La Catedral de Our Lady of Fair Haven of Roseau, conocida en español como Nuestra Señora del Buen Socorro, es la iglesia madre de la diócesis de Roseau y sede del obispo. La presencia católica en Roseau se remonta al siglo XVIII, con misioneros sobre todo franceses. El nombre Our Lady of Fair Haven proviene de la tradición francesa de Notre-Dame du Bon Port o Bon Secours, muy usada por marinos y colonos, adaptada al inglés como «Fair Haven».

Main data

Origin and history

La Catedral de Our Lady of Fair Haven of Roseau, conocida en español como Nuestra Señora del Buen Socorro, es la iglesia madre de la diócesis de Roseau y sede del obispo. La presencia católica en Roseau se remonta al siglo XVIII, con misioneros sobre todo franceses. El nombre Our Lady of Fair Haven proviene de la tradición francesa de Notre-Dame du Bon Port o Bon Secours, muy usada por marinos y colonos, adaptada al inglés como «Fair Haven».

The image and the sanctuary

The present temple is Gothic in style, built in volcanic stone in several stages throughout the 19th century over simpler previous churches. The cathedral houses an image of the Virgin with the Child on the main altar, without any specific style or author. It has suffered damage from cyclones and earthquakes and has been restored several times, with new works following Hurricane Mary in 2017.

Sponsorship and coronation

Full official title, patron of the cathedral and of the diocese of Roseau. There is no canonical coronation or recognition as a Marian sanctuary with approved apparitions.

Party and devotion

The patron feast is celebrated as a Solemnity of Mary under the title of Our Lady of Fair Haven; it does not contain a date of its own other than the great universal Marian solemnities (8 December, 15 August). After hurricanes David (1979) and Mary (2017), the cathedral was a place of thanksgiving and missionary masses to Our Lady for preserved life.

Link to the Rosary

As a patron who the faithful invoke for the protection of their families and homes from hurricanes, Our Lady of Good Relief welcomes the confident prayer of the Rosary. On an island hit by storms, the Rosary before this image is prayer of supplication and thanksgiving.