BISHOP Brian Heenan of Rockhampton, just turned 75, has had his resignation accepted – but retirement is still far from his mind as the diocese prepares to celebrate an important milestone in the $6 million restoration of the landmark St Joseph’s Cathedral.
The diocese’s bishop for the past 21 years, recently celebrating 50 years in the priesthood, has issued an invitation to a weekend of celebrations in the cathedral grounds on September 1 and 2.
There will be a Cathedral Picnic on the Saturday followed by guided tours in the afternoon. A barbecue will be followed by a Sacred Concert in the cathedral that evening.
A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in the cathedral at 10am on Sunday, September 2.
Pope Benedict XVI has also sent a letter of support to the people of Rockhampton diocese for their commitment to the cathedral’s restoration.
Australia’s apostolic nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, who is attending the celebrations, will read this message during the thanksgiving Mass.
Many of Queensland’s bishops are also expected to be present.
Bishop Heenan described the journey to this point in the cathedral’s restoration as challenging – listing tough financial times and lack of help from the weather.
Yet the restoration, started in 2009 and now well on the way to completion with donations past the halfway mark, had been worth it.
Initially there were doubts about the wisdom of undertaking such a large project given the large amount of money involved.
“But there were questions of the building’s safety and also a responsibility to hand on such a valuable link to the past intact to future generations,” Bishop Heenan said.
“People have responded by being extraordinarily generous in extremely difficult economic times.
“It’s been one of the highlights of my time as bishop to oversee the project.
“Our St Joseph’s Cathedral is a sign of unity and also of the divine presence in our busy society.
“The cathedral also has enormous heritage value, being one of the few examples of true gothic architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.
“This region is so honoured to be blessed with such an iconic building.”
Bishop Heenan said he had sent in his resignation to the Congregation of Bishops in Rome well ahead of his 75th birthday on August 4.
This was to help ensure an orderly transition.
“The resignation was acknowledged and accepted and I’ve been asked to continue as bishop until a new appointment is made,” he said.
“I’m not in any sense wanting to hurry away … I still enjoy the role immensely.”
Bishop Heenan said he planned to move to a family-owned home in Caloundra once he retired.
“Once this happens, I will offer my services in whatever way is required in the parish.”
