HistoryOn February 7th, 1858, Bishop James Alipius Goold OSA laid the foundation stone for the church. Use commenced on a regular basis for Mass in 1863.
In 1887 a High Altar, which can be seen still today, as well as Stations of the Cross were purchased from Rome. The Altar is made from Carrara marble The stained glass windows were introduced in 1883, the first being that in the Sanctuary. An extensive renovation and liturgical re-ordering of the Cathedral took place in 1999. Image: Jo Armstrong-JJ Photography - 2019 Click here to read more. Virtual tour of St Patrick's Cathedral - click here The virtual tour is provided free of charge by Jolt Media www.joltmedia.com.au |
What is a Cathedral?The word 'Cathedral' comes from a Latin word meaning "seat". The seat referred to is the seat of the Bishop who is the leader of a group of churches related to the Cathedral. The Bishop's seat is both a metaphor for the Cathedral building and his actual chair called 'the cathedra' which is inside the church.
The Cathedral is the Diocesan Church for: - Diocesan liturgical celebrations and roles - A Parish Church - home to a Parish community - A gathering place for parish community and schools - A prayerful place for weddings and funerals - A place of devotion to visit and - A place to find comfort and peace. - A means of evangelisation. -The face of Christ in a building. - A place of mission and outreach. |
Who was St Patrick?As a boy of fourteen or so, Patrick was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep.
Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more." Click here to read more. |