ST Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore, has been restored, enhancing it as a spiritual sanctuary.
Lismore Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett celebrated the re-opening and rededication at a Mass on February 22, with apostolic nuncio Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana in attendance.
Bishop Jarrett said the rejuvenation of the cathedral was the culmination of a five-year plan to give the historic structure a makeover.
“The church has always taken seriously the importance of a worthy place to worship God, to ensure that the place of worship is a place of beauty and holiness,” Bishop Jarrett said.
Each bishop of the Lismore diocese has made a contribution to the preservation of St Carthage’s, beginning with the foundation stone laid by Bishop Jeremiah Doyle during construction in 1892. Bishop Jarrett said the main concern in the planning and restoration process was to preserve the history of the cathedral.
The cathedral was built to accommodate for changes reflecting the liturgical renewal, and the altar acted as a centrepiece to this shift.
“The design of the new altar and flooring is in keeping with the Gothic revival style,” Bishop Jarrett said.
“The cathedral was fortunate to acquire a splendid 1903 eagle lectern.”
Bishop Jarrett said provisions from diocesan resources financed the project, with funding being put aside years in advance.
“The Diocese of Lismore has a responsibility to look after its cathedral and I hope we have fulfilled our duty to contribute to its enhancement in passing this fine building on to future generations,” he said.
