MAROOCHYDORE parishioner Challis Boland loved the opportunity to tour St Stephen’s Cathedral with her parish as part of the cathedral’s 150th anniversary year celebrations.
She and 33 other parishioners bussed down with Fr Isaac Falzon for the tour, Mass and markets on October 17.
“The whole experience was very moving,” she said.
“It was great to be able to see the beauty of the Cathedral up close and to do it all with friends was very special.
“The Mary Mackillop Chapel was especially moving. We all enjoyed it very much.”
The Maroochydore parish tour was the first parish tour of the year.
Cathedral 150th Year celebrations co-ordinator David Todd said they had just started offering tours to different parishes and encouraged other parishes to book.
He said the Stella Maris parishioners had a great time together and learned a lot about St Stephen’s.
Cathedral dean Fr Anthony Mellor said parishes and deaneries can book a tour through the cathedral office.
“No doubt, many people have visited the Cathedral but people are always surprised to discover what treasures the Cathedral and chapel contain,” he said.
“A guided tour is an excellent way to discover and learn new things about the Cathedral, the chapel and the precinct.
“We might even be able to organise a musical recital when tour groups come in.”
Fr Mellor said the cathedral played an important role in the life of the whole archdiocese.
He said the cathedral “is the primary church of the archdiocese”.
“The word ‘cathedral’ takes its name from the ‘cathedra’ which means ‘seat’.
“This is the place from which the archbishop presides, not only liturgically, but also as chief pastor and teacher of the local church of Brisbane.”
It was also the gathering centre for important celebrations like Chrism Mass, ordinations and jubilees.
Its central location in the heart of the city also meant it played a role of civic importance too, he said.
“Many people come into the cathedral for a quick prayer or to light a candle,” he said.
“We look forward to hosting people from across the archdiocese and beyond in our anniversary year.”
To find out more, please call the cathedral office on (07) 3324 3030.
