St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne is to get a $190 million ‘renewal’ with work due to start later this year.
The Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli, launched the archdiocese’s Light into the City project at the cathedral on St Patrick’s Day (March 17).
Speaking at the annual Patrick Oration, the Archbishop says the five to 10-year project is about the future.
“For more than 125 years, St Patrick’s Cathedral has been a light into the city; a place of prayer, beauty, welcome and refuge,” he says.
“Light into the City is about caring for what we have inherited while ensuring that this cathedral can continue to serve the people of Melbourne, Catholics … and all those who visit … for generations to come.”
CATHEDRAL PROJECT STAGES
The archdiocese says the first stage of the project involves the restoration of the gothic revival-styled cathedral and a new assembly building next door; it will cost $130m with $90m already raised through public pledges and $60m from the federal government.
The second stage will involve the restoration of the Presbytery and Cardinal Knox Centre.
A third, and final, stage involves the construction of new facilities for mission agencies but is not part of the project’s fundraising campaign.
“St Patrick’s was built by the generosity of early migrants and the community of Melbourne,” Archbishop Comensoli said.
“This renewal continues that story, together in mission and hope, so that the light of Christ that shines from this hill continues to illuminate our city.”
Maria Myers, the campaign advisory board chairwoman and a major project donor, calls the work a “carefully governed, well-considered project” that recognises the precinct’s heritage value.
“Light into the City honours the dedication of those who built St Patrick’s, and ensures our children and grandchildren inherit a cathedral that is welcoming, alive with faith, and suited to the needs of our growing, increasingly diverse communities,” she says.
More details about the Light into the City project are available by clicking on the following link: www.lightintothecity.org.au
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