Cardinal Cassidy (second from right) was the Pope's special envoy at the Dedication Mass

NEARLY eight years after it was destroyed by fire St Patrick's Cathedral in Parramatta re-opened on Saturday 29 November 2003 with a Dedication Mass.

The Pope's special envoy on the occasion, Cardinal Edward Cassidy, presided at the Mass. Guests included the Governor of NSW, Prof. Marie Bashir, the Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, and the Premier of NSW, Bob Carr.

In his homily Cardinal Cassidy said the ceremony of dedication of a Cathedral was of great significance in the life of a particular or local Church. "The Cathedral Church is symbolically the very centre, one might say the heart, of the Diocese: a symbol of faith, a bond of communion, a visible challenge to the people of God belonging to that community to give priority in their lives to the values of the Gospel. It is the local Bishop's own church and it is the church of all the people of God entrusted to his pastoral care."

More than 900 people attended the Dedication Mass, which was concelebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Francesco Canalini, the Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Kevin Manning, Cardinal George Pell, Archbishops and Bishops, and Priests of the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond.

In his address Bishop Manning said the Rite of Dedication of a Cathedral was an event rarely seen in contemporary Australia.

"The life of the Catholic community is symbolised around you," he said. "The eyes of everyone who enters this sacred space are drawn to the crucified Christ on the Cross. Here, you encounter Him and, in the Eucharist, are nourished with His Word and His Body. Inspired by the example of Christ, you go from here committed to service, reconciliation and dialogue."

Design Architect Romaldo Giurgola

In 1997, Design Architect Romaldo Giurgola and the firm MGT Architects was commissioned for the restoration and design of the new Cathedral complex. This international firm designed new Parliament House in Canberra.

The brief for St Patrick's was for the restoration of the original church as the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as well as the creation of a new extension accommodating 800 people. The Cathedral complex includes a cloister, new parish hall and historic Murphy House, the original presbytery.

Bishop Manning commissioned a program of major works of art, craftsmanship and special design for the Cathedral, ensuring there would be a close integration between the art and architecture.

The main entry is from new entry door gates on the south wall of the old sandstone church. In the extension the presence of daylight is an essential element of its design. The emphasis on the central Altar is made visually through a sculptural Aureole suspended above the Altar.

Three senior artists working in different artistic media undertook the design and fabrication of the major works of art in the Cathedral. They artists are Sydney sculptor Anne Ferguson working in stone, Tasmanian design/maker Kevin Perkins working in timber, and Sydney sculptor and jewellery designer Robin Blau working in metal.

Three musical works were commissioned for the Dedication Mass:

Bishop Kevin Manning

1. Mass setting: 'Light of the Nations' by Fr Chris Willcock SJ, an Australian Jesuit priest living in Melbourne. The title reflects the multicultural nature of the Diocese of Parramatta.

2. 'Lord God in the Simplicity of My Heart' by Paul Stanhope, an Australian composer living in Sydney. Based on I Chronicles 29: 17-18.

3. 'Praise the Lord Jerusalem' by Paul Witney, an Australian composer living in the Diocese of Parramatta. Based on Psalm 147.

Bishop Manning said the new St Patrick's Cathedral is more than the restoration of what was lost in the fire: it is a new creation.

"We sought to make the Cathedral:
* A tangible sign of the unity of purpose and solidarity within our diocesan community;

* A clear sign of God's kingdom in the world;

* A dynamic centre for Christian worship, prayer, community and mission;

* A welcome to all men and women to discover God;

* A pledge to our forbears in the faith to carry on their memory and legacy; and

* A creation that speaks of meanings and values and will go on speaking.

"Mother Teresa spoke of doing 'something beautiful for God'. I believe that together, we have constructed 'something beautiful for God' here in Parramatta."

Click here for more photographs of the Dedication Mass on 29 November.