Introduction

In May 2005, the destructive fury of nature in the form of a tornado brought about the sudden and surprising end to the eighty four year old St Patrick’s Cathedral precinct. People in Bunbury, and from communities across the entire South of Western Australia, experienced grief and the sense of being poorer at the destruction of this celebrated building. The overwhelming community response was that a new Cathedral must be built.
Demolition of the St Patrick’s Cathedral 2005
Image courtesy of the West Australian Newspaper
In May 2005, the destructive fury of nature in the form of a tornado brought about the sudden and surprising end to the eighty four year old St Patrick’s Cathedral precinct. People in Bunbury, and from communities across the entire South of Western Australia, experienced grief and the sense of being poorer at the destruction of this celebrated building. The overwhelming community response was that a new Cathedral must be built.

A Cathedral is a church in which is located the seat (or ‘cathedra’) of the Bishop of a Diocese. While cathedrals have traditionally functioned as centres for Christians, they have always been closely intertwined with the urban fabric, enhancing their communities by serving as centres of service and culture.

A cathedral serves as a symbol of faith, community strength, and nobility of human spirit. Although a Catholic Church, and of great religious significance to Catholics across the Diocese of Bunbury, St Patrick’s was also a Bunbury community icon. It was appreciated and respected by the entire community, and relied upon for a wide variety of services by Catholics and others alike.

Building a cathedral is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the community in which it will be located. Few other buildings will be passed on to so many future generations. It has been said that great cities are blessed with great cathedrals. It can also be said that great cathedrals make cities great.

An icon on the hill
The new Cathedral will be an icon in the future landscape of Bunbury. For this reason, the Bunbury community was consulted on its wishes for the new building through the electronic and print media. Following the widespread expressed community wish, the new Cathedral will be built on the site of the old, rather than elsewhere. However, it will mean building a new icon that is beyond the needs and means of the Catholic community alone.

The new St Patrick’s Cathedral will stand for at least 300 years, overlooking the City of Bunbury and the wider community for many generations. The new cathedral will be a lasting inheritance from the present generation of citizens of the City of Bunbury, and of the entire South West region of Australia to future generations. It will be an enduring testament to future generations of the creative energy and nobility of spirit of people today.

Demolition of St Patrick’s Cathedral 2005
Image courtesy of the West Australian Newspaper
The use of the future Cathedral
During its lifetime, it is estimated that more than 30 million people will pass through the doors of the new Cathedral. Some will come to celebrate the stages of their own spiritual journey. Many others will come to be present when their friends and loved ones receive the sacraments. And countless others again, without specific religious conviction, will come, simply to experience an atmosphere of quiet and reflection, a spiritual haven in a hectic and troubled world.

During the next 300 years, millions of people, from all walks of life, will participate in a rich tapestry of religious and community activities conducted in and around the new Cathedral.

More than 73,000 will receive Baptism in the new Cathedral. More than 60,000 children will receive their First Holy Communion. More than 50,000 young people will reaffirm their commitment to God, through Confirmation; and more than 17,000 couples will stand before the altar to exchange their wedding vows.

Finally, countless people will be farewelled from this life through the doorway of the new Cathedral.

The Cathedral and its precinct will be open to all for a wide variety of occasions and events, welcoming people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds. The precinct will be available for concerts, exhibits, public lectures and community group meetings. All will be welcome to socialise in the precinct, to walk through its gardens, to attend religious and community events, and to take time for personal prayer and reflection.

It will become a gathering place where people of all walks of life can come together for religious and civic occasions. It will be a place for people to gather to celebrate their greatest joys and to seek comfort in times of deepest sorrow. It will be a place of contemplation on the innermost questions of life; and for giving thanks for the countless blessings that enrich our lives.

Designed by renowned and multi-awarded architect, Marcus Collins, the new structure will be inspiring. Overlooking Koombana Bay, it will become a landmark for Bunbury and an attraction to the South West. Its uplifting sense of height and its inventive engineering will help to define Bunbury as a most progressive and innovative regional city in Australia.

As a social institution, the Catholic community of the Diocese of Bunbury uniquely includes people from almost every cultural background. Therefore, the Cathedral will fulfil an important role, contributing to the social and cultural unity of the broader community. Hopefully, it will extend a tradition of sharing, and help encourage a spirit of generosity.

By building the new cathedral, we are honouring the heritage of the past – and assuring the future. We are restoring an icon to the communities of the southern portion of our state for hundreds of years ahead.

“It is my hope that all will feel welcome here”

The Most Reverend Gerard J. Holohan
Bishop of Bunbury