Did you know that St Mary’s Cathedral is the oldest Catholic Cathedral in South Africa? Its story began over 200 years ago. It’s a tale of faith overcoming adversity. It’s a story etched in stone and stained glass.
Today we stand before St Mary’s Cathedral. This magnificent structure stands opposite the South African Parliament. It marks a meeting point linking Cape Town to its suburbs. The Cathedral holds a central position as the Mother Church. It serves both the Archdiocese and the rest of South Africa.
Let’s journey back to the early 19th century. Catholics at the Cape faced religious intolerance. The Dutch, influenced by the Protestant Reformation, restricted Catholic practices. Despite these challenges, the Catholic faith persisted.
Bishop Patrick Raymond Griffith arrived in 1838. He found a struggling Catholic community. He chose Our Lady of the Flight into Egypt as his patroness. This symbolized the Catholic people’s struggles. It also reflected the African dimension of his mission. The bishop sought a site for a proper church.
In 1839, Bishop Griffith bought the Wachtenburg Garden. It included Tanner’s Square. The Cathedral now stands on this old square. Construction began in 1841. German architect Carl Otto Hager designed St Mary’s Cathedral. He embraced the neo-Gothic style. This style includes high naves and pointed windows.
Building St Mary’s Cathedral took ten years. Donations came from many sources. Generous contributions arrived from Calcutta, Mauritius and Brazil. On April 28, 1851, Bishop Griffith dedicated the completed St Mary’s Cathedral. This date was the day before the Feastday of Our Lady of the Flight into Egypt.
Over the years, St Mary’s Cathedral has undergone renovations. In 1927, architect Fred M. Glennie made changes. A tower was added. The parapet crenellations were removed. In 1951, St Mary’s Cathedral was consecrated. This happened when Pope Pius XII made Cape Town a metropolitan archdiocese.
Inside St Mary’s Cathedral, admire the art collection. It unites aesthetic and religious elements. The stained-glass windows tell biblical stories. They cast colorful light across the interior. The windows were crafted by Mayer of Munich and Bardman of Birmingham.
Notice the oak pulpit. It was carved in Cape Town. It was erected for the dedication in 1851. Reflect on the marble angel holy water font. It was designed by an architect from Dublin and presented to the Cathedral in 1896.
St Mary’s Cathedral stands as a testament to faith. It shows the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church in South Africa. It’s a place of worship, community and historical significance. As you leave St Mary’s Cathedral, remember its story. Remember the people who built it. Carry with you the spirit of faith and perseverance.