Vigil Mass for Patron of the Diocese

A Vigil Mass to celebrate the feast of the Patroness of the Diocese, Mary, Star of the Sea was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara on 30 May.

An ancient title for the Mother of Jesus Christ, Mary, Star of the Sea comes to us from the Latin Stella Maris.

Under this title Mary intercedes as both guide and protector for all those who seek their livelihoods from the sea however, more generally, it is used to emphasise Mary’s role as a guiding star for Christians.

Many clergy and parishioners attended the Mass celebrated by Bishop Anthony before moving to The Light of Christ Centre for a presentation on our Cathedral Precinct Development Journey followed by small round table discussions.

Bishop Anthony initiated Parish consultations last year encouraging the community to consider how the Cathedral precinct could be reoriented so the Cathedral becomes the focal point, the heart of the site which is shared by Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School, St Leo’s College and CatholicCare.

He said he envisaged the merciful educational arm, anchored by the Cathedral, and its parish.

“Our goal must be to serve all, to be a home for all with the Cathedral the beating heart of this cohesive community.

“It should be a place of welcome, a place of pilgrimage, a place where Christ will be truly present, known and loved by all.”

During all the consultations and forums Bishop Anthony has asked stakeholders to “dream big”, and while there are no concrete plans he is keen to know what the community would see as a thriving Cathedral precinct in the years and decades ahead, a spiritual home for the people of the Cathedral Parish and the whole Diocese.

Following every consultation feedback has been sought with many innovative, creative and positive suggestions coming forward. In additions to the many opportunities, a journey like this also presents many challenges which must be worked through with all stakeholders.

The presentation and consultation following the Vigil Mass was open to all those in the Diocese.

Following Bishop Anthony’s welcome, site concept diagrams incorporating previous community feedback and suggestions were presented to the gathering.

Breaking into smaller groups people were able to discuss the new overall precinct concept, and were once more invited to provide feedback.

There will be further community consultation as the concept is further refined and developed.