As of 2025, the rector of the cathedral is Monsignor Salvador Gonzalez Jr. After the founding of Fresno in 1872, the few Catholics in the new town travelled to Visalia, California, to attend mass.

However, Reverend McCarthy, the pastor, wanted it located in a different property on Mariposa Street, close to St. Augustine's Academy.

The cornerstone for the new church was laid in April 1902 and Coadjutor Archbishop George Montgomery from the Archdiocese of San Francisco dedicated it in June 1903.

[2][3] In April 2019, Jose Hernandez approached the cathedral staff and threatened harm against the priests and bishop.

[4] The parish in November 2019 submitted plans to the city for the erected of an iron fence to increase security around the cathedral.