Belonging to the Territorial Prelature of Marawi, the church was built in 1934 and dedicated to Mary Help of Christians.

[2] During the 2017 Battle of Marawi, the extremist Maute Group seized the cathedral as part of their takeover of the city.

Online videos posted by the militants showed them toppling and smashing religious icons, tearing photographs of Pope Francis, and desecrating the chancel.

[6] The first Sunday Mass was held in the cathedral on October 1, 2017, coinciding with the feast of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, patroness of the Philippine Army.

[5] With Bishop Edwin de la Peña y Angot's consent, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, along with his residence, will be among the many buildings to be demolished by the government as it is no longer structurally sound.