You should now be approaching St Francis Xavier's Cathedral on your right. It’s quite the architectural gem, so keep an eye out for its prominent Gothic Revival style. You’ll notice the building’s cream color and the striking feature - three spires jutting into the sky atop the facade. The central spire is slightly larger. There's a large, arched red door at the entrance, flanked by gothic arched windows.
Now, let’s dive into some fun history! St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, located in Wollongong, New South Wales, is quite the historical hotspot. It’s the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Wollongong, presently the Most Reverend Brian Mascord. Sporting a rich past as the oldest church of any denomination in the Illawarra region, it all started with a humble wooden chapel in 1836, accommodating 250 people.
By 1839, pioneer priest Father John Rigney decided bigger was better and initiated the construction of the larger, permanent, Gothic-style stone church you see today. Completed around 1848, this spacious church could fit about 500 folks, and cost a pretty penny-2,000 Pounds. Despite being splendidly decorated, the interior has evolved over the years, with stunning stained glass behind the sanctuary and a charming nave ceiling being the highlights remaining from the original design.
The cathedral’s journey is dotted with many changes. In 1906, it got a bit of a makeover; the nave was extended, and the shingle roof was swapped for sleek slate. Then in 1933, the interior got an uncomfortable stretch, widening the church but causing some damage.
When the Diocese of Wollongong was founded in 1951, St Francis Xavier’s took on the role of being the cathedral. Further renovations and modernizations were rolled out in phases, toning down some of the past aesthetic mishaps and embracing restorative features, like the Marian chapel from an old confessional in the 1980s.
The latest rejuvenation came in April 2009 when the roof got a Welsh slate upgrade. This led to a grand rededication in March 2010, commemorating the death anniversary of Archbishop John Bede Polding, the first bishop in Australia, who had commissioned the church.
Standing here now, you’re looking at a piece of history that’s evolved significantly but has managed to retain its spiritual splendor and architectural charm. Ready for the next stop? Let's go!
