Built on Christ: St Mary’s Cathedral marks 145 years

By Heather Excell

Gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral on 23 January, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Hobart joined Archbishop Tony Ireland to mark 145 years since the dedication of their Mother Church.

Celebrated with Mass, the anniversary offered an opportunity to give thanks for a place that has shaped the faith of generations and continues to stand at the heart of diocesan life in Tasmania.

In his homily, Archbishop Tony spoke of the Cathedral as “holy ground” because of its long history as a dwelling place of God among His people.

“This place has been a loved dwelling place for the living God and for God’s pilgrim people in Tasmania,” he said, inviting the congregation to recognise the Cathedral as a sacred space formed through prayer, worship and faithful presence across time.

Highlighting its role as the Mother Church of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Tony emphasised that a church is not defined by its architecture alone, but by the people it gathers.

“Stone and glass do not make a church; faithful people do,” he said, noting that the Cathedral fulfils its purpose when it is filled with people who “pray, sing, weep, hope, doubt, repent, rejoice and begin again.” In this way, St Mary’s continues to gather God’s people at moments of faith, celebration and sorrow.

Drawing on the Scripture readings of the day, the Archbishop described the Cathedral as a place where the faithful are strengthened and then sent forth. He reminded the congregation that prayer offered inside the building is never meant to remain there.

“The grace released here is never meant to stay inside the walls,” he said, encouraging the faithful to allow their prayer to join with those of the past 145 years, and flow outward into the streets of Hobart and beyond.

The Archbishop also spoke of the endurance and sacrifice that shaped the Cathedral’s history. St Mary’s was built through perseverance rather than ease, with four foundation stones laid before one finally endured.

Two early attempts to construct the Cathedral were abandoned due to a lack of funds, while a later structure was dismantled because of significant building faults, before the present Cathedral was finally completed.

Special mention was made of Father Daniel Francis Xavier Beechinor, the Cathedral administrator during the final phase of construction, who spent three years travelling throughout Tasmania and mainland Australia to raise the required funds. His dedication and perseverance helped ensure the completion of the Cathedral as it stands today.

Reflecting on the Gospel, Archbishop Tony reminded the congregation that the Church is built not on human effort or flawless plans, but on Christ Himself. He affirmed that it is Christ, not the Cathedral, who is the foundation of the Church.

As the Mass concluded, the congregation were reminded that St Mary’s Cathedral remains a place where living faith is nurtured, and from which the faithful are called to carry that light into the life of the world.