BRISBANE’S marvellous St Brigid’s Church, Red Hill will “open the doors” to share its centenary year as an historic city icon during the Brisbane Open House in October.
St Brigid’s has been an iconic building in Brisbane’s history, and many faithful worshippers believe more people should see the church in all its glory.
Listed as a heritage building by the National Trust, St Brigid’s Church will participate in the Brisbane Open House event on October 11 and 12.
Named after an Irish female saint, the church is one of six in the Jubilee parish.
Construction of the church took 18 months, and was designed by famous Brisbane-born architect Robin Dods.
Brisbane Archbishop James Duhig officially blessed and opened St Brigid’s on August 9, 1914.
Jubilee parish associate pastor Fr James O’Donoghue said opening the doors to St Brigid’s would give the parish an opportunity to evangelise.
“People will not only be able to see the beautiful architecture, but it’s a chance to evangelise, so people can learn more about our Church,” Fr O’Donoghue said.
He said the church was already established as one of Brisbane’s “major landmarks”.
“Also a lot of people as you talk to them have had an event there – someone’s family, uncle, cousin, grandmother, great grandmother was either buried, married, or baptised there,” he said.
With 12,200 Catholics in Jubilee parish area, St Brigid’s parish is preparing for an influx of visitors.
The parish is also preparing for two other major events for former and current parishioners to celebrate.
The centenary celebrations will launch on April 27, while a Mass to mark 100 years almost to the day will be celebrated on August 10.
The parish has also requested photos or memories of the past 100 years to be compiled in a book.
For more details on the various events or to contribute to the celebrations, contact Fr O’Donoghue on 3369 5351.
