IRAQI-born Saad Abdulahad Bashir, who worked as a statistician for many years, and Kemsley Kelly, a sugar-cane farmer from Childers who moved south to take care of grandchildren, share something in common.
Both are two of the newest members of the St Stephen’s Cathedral guides and welcomers, alongside Gerard Poynting, Michael McKillop, Margaret Hogan, Don Keyes, Helen McGinty and David Todd who finished their training on October 16.
“The reason why I joined the guides is I’m interested in the history generally,” Mr Abdulahad said.
“Moreover, it’s also important to improve my English as well and to know about the liturgy in the Catholic rite because it’s different to my liturgy.
“To know about the Christianity, about the history, about everything … is what attracted me to work here with the guides.”
“It’s a lovely comradeship with the guides and welcomers, and the trainers are wonderful,” Mr Kelly said.
“I’m involved in the Stafford parish, I’m chair of the pastoral council there, and this is just another step, as I say, in my mission.”
Mr Kelly’s favourite part of the cathedral is the architecture.
“I love the altar and the baptismal font; the history of the windows is incredible,” he said.
“You can relate the windows to the Mayne family in Brisbane, how important they were in the Church.”
For Mr Abdulahad, it was the windows, too, that fascinated him.
Alongside the newest graduates, the guides and welcomers launched the precinct guide – a fold-out brochure detailing a mapped history of Brisbane’s cathedral.
The brochure was launched with the blessing of cathedral dean Fr Anthony Mellor.
The precinct guide is available at St Stephen’s Cathedral.
