BUNDABERG’S imposing Holy Rosary Church recently turned 125, and more than 600 people joined in to celebrate.
The celebrations over the weekend of November 23 and 24 started with an 8.30am Mass celebrated by priests including Bundaberg’s parish priest Fr John Daly, assistant Fr John Fitz-Herbert and diocesan administrator Fr John Grace.
Mass was followed by a family day in St Joseph’s school grounds and a youth Mass at night.
Mass was first celebrated in Bundaberg in the Adams Hotel in 1872, five years after the city was established.
The church of St Mary of the Holy Rosary was built in 1875, but quickly outgrown.
Bundaberg’s first parish priest Fr Constantine Rossolini was instrumental in the building of the church, which was blessed and consecrated on May 13, 1888.
Parishioner Anne Sheehan said “as the oldest church in town, Holy Rosary holds many memories for many families”.
“It has become home to them and their children,” she said. “Within its walls countless numbers of sacramental celebrations and private prayers have been offered.”
Ms Sheehan said the church was full for the celebrations. “The anniversary really brought the people together and a lot of memories and stories were exchanged,” she said.
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