The Cathedral “Centennial Project”
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ISSUE 56 A Newsletter published by the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch March 2004 The Cathedral “Centennial Project” Take an architectural student on a tour of Because of the scale, difficulty our Cathedral and ask him or her to tell and importance of the project it you what doesn’t belong. They would was decided that advice should surely say: “Those framed pictures on be sought from directors of Art the wall. They were obviously meant Galleries and Museums, as well for a Gothic-style church.” They were as people skilled in the field indeed. They were made a century ago of art and architecture. This for the former St Patrick’s Church in yielded the names of twenty- Greymouth. six sculptors, painters and others who were deemed to be Ask an art dealer to assess the worth of capable of carrying out such a those “Stations of the Cross.” He or she challenging project. A detailed would say: “The images are oleographs brief was sent to these and of paintings in realist style (circa. 1890). four others with an invitation The 9th Station: Jesus falls the third time. (572mm wide) As artistic worth they have only minor to consider the project and submit status, and their commercial value is preliminary proposals supported by presenting us with the unexpected. …” In small.” photographs and written material on the judgement of Professor Simpson their previous works. The present “Stations of the Cross” these “Stations” will not date or age or were placed in the Cathedral in 1995 In all, eighteen responded positively. become unfashionable, and their simple, because of a need to provide the faithful After due deliberation two sculptors innocent, inventive forms will speak to with images that are part of Catholic were chosen to produce a trial “Station” people long after we are gone. worship. But it was never intended that of their choice for a professional fee, Everyone has need of friends, and they should be permanent. It was only thus giving the artist an opportunity to cathedrals are no exception. Already one a lack of finance that precluded the communicate something of his vision of the new “Stations” has been “gifted” commissioning or purchase of “Stations and giving the members of the Cathedral to the Cathedral, and it is the hope of of the Cross” worthy of our Cathedral Trust a reliable basis on which to make the Bishop and the Cathedral Trust that Parish. a judgement. the remaining thirteen “Stations” will Three years ago the Cathedral Trust Unexpectedly, one of the finalists be “gifted” as well. In round figures discussed the possibility of a project found the project beyond his technical the cost of each individual “Station” to mark the centenary of the Cathedral expertise, and he reluctantly withdrew. is $3000.00. Those who have in their in 2005. Thought was given to the The remaining artist, Llew Summers hearts a special place for the Cathedral replacement of statues or a new “Way of of Christchurch, was then formally are now invited to consider gifting one the Cross”, proper to the Cathedral and commissioned to produce 14 marble of the “Stations” to mark the Cathedral’s in keeping with its style. The decision was bas-relief “Stations of the Cross”. He centenary. Hopefully, the cost of erecting left to the Bishop. In his judgement the completed the task in mid-2003, and at them can be met from other sources. the annual gathering of the “Friends of more pressing need was the replacement Enquires may be directed to the the Cathedral”, one of the “Stations” was of the “Stations of the Cross”. undersigned (03 308-6793), and given a symbolic unveiling by Professor “gifts” should be sent to the secretary Over recent years a number of artists John Simpson, Emeritus Professor of the Cathedral Trust, PO Box 4454, have been given an opportunity to of Fine Arts, Canterbury University. Christchurch 8015. All “gifts” will be enhance the beauty of our Cathedral He said, “Be prepared to be surprised, receipted for income tax purposes, and with their own unique vision, and because Llew Summers has risen to new the list of donors will be kept in the the commissioning of a new set of heights in facing this difficult challenge… Memorial Chapel of the Cathedral. “Stations” would make it possible to he brings a fresh inventive vision to his do the same. task, communicating new insights, and Monsignor J. M. Harrington 1 A letter from our Bishop Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ hopefully making progress with It is with joy that I advise the being able to write but can do so diocese that early next year we roughly with my left hand. I walk mark two significant centenaries, with the aid of a stick for half an Nazareth House (January 5) hour daily, weather permitting. I and the Cathedral of the Blessed will apply for the re-issue of my Sacrament (February 12). A driving licence after Easter. committee is planning Cathedral celebrations throughout 2005. It is heartening to encounter the enduring faith of so many. The We in the Diocese of Hearts Aflame involving 106 16–35 Christchurch are justifiably proud year olds was a splendid example at of the panoply of parish plants, St Bede’s January 2–11. There “faith school structures or convents and and knowledge meet”. colleges, and complexes. Our Cathedral is judged by many to be We prepare to celebrate the first unequalled in Australasia for its centennial of our Cathedral next grace and grandeur. year. While a magnificent example of human handiwork, it is above The Cathedral, as all our all a tribute to God. At least twice churches and chapels, embodies each day, four times on Sundays, and enables God’s people to worshippers in their tens and worship Him, Father, Son and Holy insert a very prominent comma hundreds respond with a faith- Spirit and celebrate the sacraments after “other” so that the banner filled Amen (So be it, I agree) to of His lifegiving Church. Being correctly proclaimed: God is other, the priest’s prayer for centuries: sent forth from Eucharistic liturgies people. Through him, with him, in him, and other services believers “go in in the unity of the Holy Spirit all peace to love and serve the Lord” Thank you for your supportive prayers and good wishes assisting glory and honour is yours Almighty in apostolic works including care Father, for ever and ever. of the aged and infirm in hospitals powerfully in my recuperation. The and facilities like Nazareth House. assistance, especially of the Vicar Every best wish, General, family, and my secretary, Sincerely, Keeping the due balance between Angela and hospital therapists is worship and service is vital. Avery appreciated. I have been able to Cardinal Dulles tells of being in a participate in the Ash Wednesday US Church where he saw a banner Ecumenical Service, the Service declaring, “God is other people”. He of the Word for Valentines Day sorely wished that he had a magic and Masses for various occasions, John Cunneen marker with him so that he could jubilees and funerals. I am Bishop of Christchurch Nazareth House NATIONAL The Tindall Foundation Invitation The Roman Catholic Diocese of approval. All successful applicants Christchurch has received a most must present a report on how their The Sisters of Nazareth warmly invite generous allocation of funds from the grant was spent. all past pupils and their families, Tindall Foundation for distribution in The Diocesan Welfare Council will benefactors, friends and staff, Clergy our Diocese. and Religious and all who have been consider applications for funding associated with the Sisters to join The aim of the Foundation is to help for this year, 2004. Applications will them as they celebrate 100 years in improve the overall quality of life close on Wednesday, April 14 2004 the Diocese of Christchurch. for New Zealanders and to provide at 5.00pm. No late applications will them with a helping hand up, not a be accepted. The Centennial Celebrations will take hand out. The Christchurch Diocesan place from Friday January 7 to Sunday Welfare Council administers this grant. Requests for application forms and January 9 2005. All applications from the various further information should be made All enquiries to: organisations are considered. If the to: Nazereth Sisters’ Centenary strict guidelines set out by the Tindall Liz Pennell PO Box 7024, Sydenham, 8035 Foundation are met, a decision is Diocesan Welfare Council Christchurch made as to the proposed allocation PO Box 4544, Christchurch Email: nazarethsisters@xtra.co.nz and presented to the Bishop for his Phone (03) 366 9869 2 Parishes Hokitika Blessings flow at Carmel Monastery For the past five years, St Mary’s Parish On the last day of 2003 we had the pleasure who generously donated furnishings, has had a small of Bishop John Cunneen, Bishop Basil along with help from the parish and other roster of willing Meeking, Msgr. Kevin Hackett (Auckland) donors. and Fr Paddy Cahill entering the enclosure Photos and enjoyable discussions were men who ring the of our Monastery to bless our new infirmary, followed by our New Year’s Eve tradition church bells for the hydraulic lift and refurbished belfry. It was which we usually share with our Bishops Angelus daily and a joyful, lively occasion with the cutting of – each visitor and Sister receiving a patron also at funerals. The the ribbon, lift demonstrations and pealing saint and an intention to pray for during the bell ringers report bells in warm sunshine to mark the event! following year, wide ranging intentions for that frequently, visiting tourists express We were all delighted that Bishop John was the Church and the world.