St. Mary’s Cathedral: Sydney, Australia

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One of the greatest privileges that this author had while on pilgrimage in the Land Down Under was visiting, and worshiping in, St. Mary's Cathedral.  To be in the vicinity of this building was fascinating and inspiring.  To be inside its walls was to lift one's mind and heart toward the Eternal.  Quite surely, this building, which is now 140 years old, will bring awe and inspiration to visitors for many more generations.
 

The building's exterior was enough to make any pilgrim fall in love with Gothic architecture and wish that more churches were still built with such delicate intricacies.  As the spires stretched toward Heaven, it was impossible to focus on anything near the ground.  Surely, that must have been one of the reason for the use of Gothic architecture during this project.  It draws our eyes and hearts away from earthly cares and toward the Almighty, in whom we have our existence.

Such an idea was equally true while this pilgrim gazed upon the interior decor; and participated in the Heavenly Liturgy within its walls.  The nave, which covers most of the cathedral's 350+ total feet in length, brought a realization that our Christian journey is always directed toward communion with Christ.  The Stations of the Cross were not only massive, but gorgeous as well, and served as a reminder of Our Lord's sacrificial offering on our behalf.  The stained glass windows provided a radiant flood of light, just as God provides a radiant flood of wisdom to our minds and hearts.  Even the crypt, where Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was held, required worshipers to focus on life after death.  It was impossible not to feel God's presence, distinctly and powerfully.

 
 
 
 
Finally, the cathedral contains a painting of our Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians.  She is the patroness of Australia, and she was the patroness of World Youth Day 2008.  By reciting a special prayer, entire groups of pilgrims entrusted their pilgrimage and the rest of their lives to Mary's intercession.  Indeed, even in such an exciting time, one was not allowed to forget the place of Our Lady in the mission of the Church.

St. Mary's Cathedral, then, must be placed on the list of "things to see" by anyone who might travel to Australia, especially those who are Catholic.  To visit the cathedral, and to worship within its walls, created a sense of worshiping with faithful Christians who lived centuries ago.

For more information on St. Mary's Cathedral, click here.  To view all of my pictures of the cathedral, click here.

God bless.

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