Imagine a hill once called Hungry Hill. It was bare and craggy. Later, it became Mount Lachlan after Governor Lachlan Macquarie. Here stands Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
In 1858, the Legislative Assembly donated one acre of this land to the Catholic Church. Archbishop Polding established Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1859. In 2000, it became a diocesan Shrine to Our Lady of Mt Carmel.
Mr William Monroe planned a magnificent church. Financial concerns led to a simpler design. Archbishop Polding laid the foundation stone on August 15, 1859. Twenty months later, he dedicated the completed Our Lady of Mount Carmel church. Fr Sheehy celebrated the high Mass. Frs Curtis and Fitzpatrick were deacon and subdeacon. Fr Kenyon preached.
Waterloo was newly formed but Our Lady of Mount Carmel belonged to St Benedict’s Parish of Broadway. It stretched from the harbor to Botany Bay. Fr M. A. Corish OSB was the Parish Priest. In 1866, Fr Peter Farrell OFM became the first resident priest. He lived on Redfern St near St Vincent’s Church. Fr Athy followed in 1870. Fr J. Cunningham built the first presbytery in 1870. Fr Cunningham also built the first school in 1876. Lessons occurred in the church before 1858.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel marriage registers start in 1866. Baptismal registers go back to 1870. These registers list many priests who served here. Fr Cornish OSB served Broadway and Waterloo. Fr Garavel served Newtown and Waterloo.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel has seen many changes. A fire damaged the original sanctuary in 1956. It was never fully restored. Sidney Rofe, an architect, designed a new sanctuary. It honored the original design. It also met structural and liturgical standards. Wayne Mavin, a bespoke joiner, hand made the new altar and reredos.
The team restored the sanctuary floor. They installed new parquetry flooring. They also installed the new liturgical furnishings. The works preserved elements of high heritage and religious significance. Parishioners and visitors now experience the original beauty. It has a sense of permanence amidst the inner-city surrounds.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School is nearby. Ms Margaret Holles is the school principal.
Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel continues to serve its community. It offers daily Mass and reconciliation. Saturday Vigil Mass is at 5 pm. Sunday Mass times vary. The parish is now part of Sydney City South. Fr Paul A Smithers is the First Parish Priest. Remember the history and faith within these walls.