Cathedrals have fulfilled a unique purpose in the lives of the communities in which they are built since the earliest days of Christianity.

The word “cathedral” goes back to at least the third century. For almost two thousand years, followers of Jesus Christ have gathered around their Bishop who – literally – from his seat (“cathedra” in Greek) serves the diocese in various ways. These include teaching and leading the diocese in love.

It will be from the new Cathedral that services to help the poor, sick, young, elderly and disadvantaged will be strengthened to meet the needs of the future.

Catholics look to cathedrals for inspiration. A cathedral is a place where all are welcome, a place for goodness. Most of all, a cathedral is a sign of infinite hope