SUPERLATIVES including “magnificent”, “superb”, “sublime” and “awesome” rolled freely off the tongues of those attending recent celebrations to mark nearly-completed restoration work at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton.
Bishop Brian Heenan of Rockhampton said these and other compliments had come from guests at celebrations held at the start of September for the latest milestone in the cathedral’s $6 million renovations which started in 2009.
Apostolic nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane, and bishops and priests, religious and people from throughout the diocese and beyond attended the event.
Celebrations included a cathedral picnic and sacred concert on September 1, described by one of those attending “as radiantly uplifting, culminating in a combined ecumenical choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus”.
The September 2 Thanksgiving Mass was a weekend highlight, with the cathedral and a large outside marquee packed.
Bishop Heenan, in his homily, took the congregation back to 1895 when “a courageous, small Catholic community, led by the first bishop, John Cani, embarked on the project of providing the fledgling diocese with a cathedral”.
“After some delays, (the cathedral) was blessed by Cardinal Moran from Sydney in 1899.
“It was completed in 1981, the centenary of the diocese, under the leadership of Bishop Bernard Wallace.
“Today, thirty years later, the people of Rockhampton diocese have brought about this timely restoration.
“During these past three years, we have focused all our efforts on the theme ‘what was built in faith, we will hand on in love’.”
Bishop Heenan described St Joseph’s Cathedral as “a sign of unity for all Christian people in the district” and “a treasured part of the heritage of this city and indeed Central Queensland”.
Earlier, vicar general Fr John Grace had welcomed those present with the words from scripture – “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, God of Hosts”.
“With these words of measured praise from the first verse of Psalm 84, the Psalmist warmly welcomes all into a sacred place; for us this morning, St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton,” he said.
Bishop Heenan also had words of thanks for the many who had helped the cathedral restorations.
Among those singled out for special mention were the diocese’s property director Gavin Richardson and Cathedral Restoration Appeal executive officer Michael Griffin.
Classical Stone director Kent Roxborough was also acknowledged for his leadership of “the dedicated bank of workers on this marvellous project”.
Bishop Heenan said despite “the most difficult time to be appealing”, promises and contributions had raised $4 million of the $6 million needed for the restorations.
At the end of Mass, Archbishop Lazzarotto read a message prepared by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI for the occasion.
“The Holy Father was pleased to learn of the restoration and re-opening for divine worship of Saint Joseph’s Cathedral,” the message said.
“On this happy occasion His Holiness is spiritually united with you and the members of your flock.”
The message noted the Pope prayed that these members “as they gather to celebrate the Eucharist … will continue to grow in union with Christ and His Church”.
Restoration work on the landmark Gothic cathedral started in October 2009 after a report noting significant internal and external damage to the building’s structure.
Most restoration work is finalised with some concluding landscaping to be completed over the next few months.
