THE official closing of Brisbane archdiocese’s sesquicentenary (150th anniversary) year of celebrations in St Stephen’s Cathedral marked a myriad of significant milestones.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane presided at the December 4 Mass on the 20th anniversary of the 1989 dedication of the cathedral following its extension to accommodate the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
More than 60 priests as well as several bishops, deans, religious and lay people of all ages attended.
During the Mass, Archbishop Bathersby, wearing a chasuble worn by the late Archbishop Francis Rush at the dedication, blessed the new Unity Chapel.
The chapel, at the front left of the cathedral inside the main entrance, houses the Unity Candle on a Jerusalem stone.
The stone “acknowledges our common human search for the one God” while the candle is symbolic of the archdiocese’s link with the Anglican Church, also visible in the written agreements displayed.
An image of Brisbane archdiocese’s patron Blessed Mary MacKillop, commissioned for the centenary of her death this year and completed by artist Christopher McVinnish, was also blessed during the Mass.
A framed copy of the piece was presented to Josephite Queensland Provincial Sr Moya Campbell.
Catholics came from far and wide for the Mass to take home copies of the image – to be framed and displayed in parishes across the archdiocese.
Cathedral dean Fr Ken Howell said various events throughout Brisbane’s sesquicentenary year had impacted the local Church especially those celebrating ecumenical links.
When Archbishop Bathersby officially “closed” the sesquicentenary year, those gathered applauded joyfully as a sign of thanksgiving.
“With praise and thanksgiving to God we have celebrated our sesquicentenary year,” Archbishop Bathersby said.
“May the fruits of this year of celebration unfold among us.
“And may the generous action of God that has been with us for one hundred and fifty years continue into our future.”
