Can you hear the echoes of history whispering through the sandstone walls of St Marys? This magnificent cathedral, a Roman Catholic basilica, stands as a testament to faith and architectural grandeur. It serves as the cathedral seat of the Archdiocese of Sydney. Welcome to St Marys, a place where the spiritual and the artistic intertwine.
St Marys is dedicated to the Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia. Pope Pius XI recognised its significance in 1932. He raised St Marys to the status of Minor Basilica. Pope Benedict XVI also visited here in 2008.
Let’s journey back to the early days of Sydney. The colony lacked provision for Roman Catholics. Father O’Flynn’s unauthorized arrival highlighted this need. It wasn’t until 1820 that Fathers Conolly and Therry officially ministered to the Catholic population. Father Therry envisioned a grand church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. His vision would eventually materialize as St Marys.
Father Therry secured land for a church. Governor Macquarie laid the foundation stone for the first St Marys on October 29, 1821. It was a simple stone structure showcasing the rising Gothic style. John Polding became Australia’s first archbishop in 1835. The church was modified in 1851. Sadly, fire destroyed it in 1865.
Father McEnroe spearheaded the effort to build a new cathedral. He based his design on plans by Archbishop Polding. Polding entrusted William Wardell, a Gothic Revival architect, with the task. Wardell was given complete creative freedom. He had already commenced work on St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.
A temporary wooden church was built. It also succumbed to fire in 1869. A sturdy brick building then served as St Mary’s School. It stood long after the present structure was in use.
Archbishop Polding laid the foundation stone for the current St Marys in 1868. The design featured a wide nave, aisle, and three towers. Polding passed away in 1877. His successor, Archbishop Vaughan, dedicated St Marys in 1882.
John Young was the builder. He also constructed a Gothic Revival house called The Abbey. Work continued under Cardinal Moran. In 1913, Archbishop Kelly laid the foundation stone for the nave. The nave was dedicated in 1928. The sandstone’s subtle color difference marks the division between the building’s stages.
Prime Minister Joseph Lyons lay in state at St Marys in 1939. He was then taken to Tasmania for burial. The crypt, completed in 1961, enshrines early priests and bishops.
For years, the facade’s squared-off towers appeared incomplete. Eventually, spires were added in 2000.
In 2008, St Marys hosted World Youth Day. Pope Benedict XVI apologized for child sex abuse by Catholic priests. In 2014, Archbishop Anthony Fisher offered prayers for the victims of the Sydney hostage crisis. A memorial service was held for the victims.
St Marys is oriented north-south. This is unusual for large cathedrals. The plan is a conventional English cathedral plan. It is cruciform in shape. The architecture is typical of the Gothic Revival. St Marys dominates the city skyline.
The style is Geometric Decorated Gothic. It closely resembles Lincoln Cathedral. The lateral view showcases Gothic windows and a pierced parapet. The transept provides public entrance. It features richly decorated doors with Australian native plants.
The interior features a high central nave and side aisles. Golden-colored sandstone and a red cedar roof create a warm ambiance. The screen behind the high altar is carved in Oamaru limestone. Chapels are dedicated to various saints.
The clerestory was originally glazed with yellow glass. This has darkened over time. Extensive lighting was installed to brighten the interior. The stained glass is the work of Hardman and Co.
St Marys is filled with treasures. The Stations of the Cross were painted by L. Chovet. A marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà is located in the western transept. The crypt features an extensive mosaic floor.
St Marys boasts a rich musical tradition. The music team includes a Director of Music and organists. The cathedral has multiple pipe organs. Two choirs sing liturgically.
The bells of St Marys hold a unique place in Australian history. The Central Tower houses a ring of twelve bells.
St Marys stands as the oldest place maintaining its use as a Catholic place of worship in Australia. It is associated with significant figures like Father Therry and Archbishop Polding. St Marys is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney.
As you leave St Marys, remember its story. It is a story of faith, resilience, and architectural ambition. It is a reminder of the enduring spirit of Catholicism in Australia.