ARCHBISHOP John Bathersby has announced the Archdiocese of Brisbane will begin a year-long celebration of its 150th birthday from the first Sunday of Advent 2008 (November 30).
The milestone relates to the date Queensland formally separated from New South Wales in 1859.
As a consequence the 150th celebrations will simultaneously be enjoyed by the entire state, the City of Brisbane as well as the Anglican and Catholic dioceses of Brisbane.
Archbishop Bathersby said he was delighted to be marking the anniversary concurrently with the Anglican Archdiocese of Brisbane, with whom there had been a long history of accord and ecumenical endeavour.
Born as a Queenslander in Stanthorpe, he is delighted to celebrate with the rest of the sunshine state.
“The 150th celebrations will be a perfect time for the archdiocese to reflect upon the Church’s history of faith and service, a history that has always been powerfully linked and happily interwoven with the growth of Queensland itself,” Archbishop Bathersby said.
“Today our diocese is home to almost 650,000 Catholics who, even if not practising, at least identify themselves as Catholic and help form a faith community shepherded by a committed number of priests, religious and countless lay persons and volunteers.
“Because of the people who belong to it, the Brisbane archdiocese is one I am immensely proud to be associated with and honoured to be serving.
“It is my sincere hope that as many members as possible of the clergy, religious, lay people and the wider community will participate in the great variety of celebrations that will take place in this sesquicentenary year.”
In making the announcement, the Archbishop also unveiled the official logo for the celebration of the archdiocese’s 150th birthday.
The logo depicts the active figure of a person reaching out to serve God, against a background of the cross.
A series of different colours intersect to form the shape of the person, each colour representing a different liturgical season.
An additional feature is the inclusion of Mary the Mother of Jesus.
Some of the many events which will take place during the year-long 150th celebration include: a launch event on the First Sunday of Advent with the 10am Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral and a 25th anniversary of the signing of the Common Declaration between the Anglican and Catholic archdioceses in the cathedral.
There will also be a week-long visit of public lectures and in-service days with Dominican Father Tim Radcliffe in late June; a week of celebrations including a Sydney WYD pilgrims/youth gathering; a 150th Mass concelebrated by bishops and clergy from around Australia and a formal sesquicentenary dinner.
In addition, a dedicated sub-site will be created within the archdiocesan website, dedicated to news of events, historical information and resources related to the celebration of the 150 years (visit http://www.bne.catholic.net.au/150)
