Bunbury’s new Cathedral opens

By Bridget Spinks
THE fourth Bishop of Bunbury, Gerard Holohan, dedicated the diocese’s new St Patrick’s Cathedral in a solemn Mass on 17 March in front of more than 800 invited guests.

Cardinals George Pell of Sydney,  Guadencio Rosales of Manila and Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, the Apostolic Nuncio, joined 19 prelates from around Australia and 45 priests from around WA in the dedication ceremony and concelebrated Mass with Bishop Holohan.
The Cathedral Precinct that was destroyed by a tornado in 2005 cost $17 million to rebuild, including a new parish centre, restoration of the old parish house that was severely damaged, evacuated then suffered an arson attack, and 143 new parking bays with retaining walls for the whole site. It also includes a shop just off the narthex leased by Gatto.
The project was helped by $5 million from the  Howard Coalition Federal Government and $2.5 million from the Carpenter ALP State Government as disaster relief grants.
Relics of Ss Irenaeus, Thomas Becket, Monica and Mary of the Cross were interred in the altar.
Invited guests from all over the Bunbury diocese joined several Anglican clergy including retired Bunbury Bishop David McCall and his wife Marian, current Bunbury Bishop Allan Ewing and his wife Tricia and Perth Archbishop Roger Herft and his wife Cheryl for the historic occasion. WA Governor Ken Michael opened the Cathedral Precinct after the Dedication Mass. He attended with his wife Julie, as did the Mayor of Bunbury David Smith and his wife, Tresslyn.