The history of the establishment of the Infant Jesus Cathedral can be traced all the way back to the year 1503 when Tangasseri first came under the control of the Portuguese. The Portuguese, led by Afonso de Albuquerque, transformed Tangasseri into a well-fortified city by building a fort there, which was known as San Thome Fort, or better known as the St. Thomas Fort now. Saint Francis Xavier then established a church, the San Salvadore College, the San Salvadore seminary Printing Press, and a religious study centre at Tangasseri during his visits in 1544 and 1549. Finally, in 1614, the Infant Jesus church was established in its present location by the Portuguese.Since 1886, Infant Jesus Church has been serving as the pro-cathedral of Kollam Diocese. The holy mortal remains of the former Bishop of Quilon, Fr. Bishop Jerome M. Fernandez, are also buried in the Infant Jesus Cathedral.