MASS in St Stephen’s Cathedral on the first Sunday of Advent (November 30) not only heralded “the way of the Lord” but also the beginning of the Jubilee Year of the 150th anniversary of Brisbane archdiocese.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane presided at the solemn morning Mass recognising the work of God’s Holy Spirit among worshippers and throughout the “Great South Land”.
“Here in this place and throughout the State of Queensland, God’s holy people have gathered as the Church, although the Church was present here for many years prior to 1859,” he said promclaiming 2009 as a Jubilee Year.
“Before that, God’s Holy Spirit has hovered over this Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.”
Archbishop Bathersby, among representatives from every Brisbane parish who came forward to receive their commemorative 150th anniversary candle, spoke of the liturgical highpoints ahead.
“Each Easter, as on each Sunday, the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed by which Christ has for ever conquered sin and death,” he said.
“From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy.
“On (June 29) the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul we recall the 150th anniversary of the consecration of James Quinn as Bishop of Brisbane.”
July 30, 2009, has been set aside for the celebration of a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving “for the manifold blessings of the past 150 years”.
On August 8 next year, Brisbane archdiocese will commemorate the 100th anniverary of the death of Blessed Mary MacKillop while May 29 has been set aside for prayer with the Anglican Communion.
Other celebrants included Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Oudeman of Brisbane, cathedral dean Fr Ken Howell and Fr Jim Hynes. Anglican Reverend John Holland attended.
