Special Events in the Cathedral and the Parish

Blessing the new Bells
To celebrate the one hundred years of the completion of the main nave, five bells were installed in the Cathedral Spire during the centenary year in 2001. Cardinal Degenhardt, Archbishop of Paderborn Germany, seen here with Mgr Duffus and server Jack Wurf, is blessing the bells.

The five bells are an European peal and tuned to the notes E, G sharp, B, C sharp and E’ and can play the Salve Regina and Te Deum. the They have been cast by Paccard Fonderie de Cloches, Annecy-le-Vieux, France and installed by Bagots Bellfoundries, South Australia. The five bells are named Augustine, Liborius, Patrick, Mother of Good Counsel, Mary MacKillop. Bells traditionally call Christian to prayers and are rung on significant occasions: Solemn feast days, ordinations, funerals, weddings.

More information about the Bells

100 years of Cathedral Nave
The Centenary Mass celebrated by Cardinal Clancy, Sydney, seen here during the procession. The Cardinals of Sydney have had a long association with the Sacred Heart Cathedral since 1901 with its first opening, its consecration in 1977 and now the Centenary of the main nave.

The Main Nave was completed in 1901 and the transepts, altar and spire were completed in 1977, the year of the Consecration and Solemn Opening on the fully completed Cathedral.

Treasures of the Cathedral
During the Centenary year other special events included an Art Show for children, a Flower Show, lecture series on Bendigo and the Cathedral and an Exhibition on the Treasures of the Cathedral. This exhibition displayed chalices and other sacred vessels and vestments used for Mass; gifts to past bishops and other fine sacred art works.

Photo: Visitors looking at chalices and ciborium in a display case placed in the Cathedral transept.

Monsignor Duffus 40th Anniversary of Ordination
Monsignor Duffus celebrated his fortieth anniversary of ordination to the priesthood with special Mass in the Sacred Heart Cathedral with many Cathedral and Wangaratta parishioners, family, friends and visitors.

In his homily, Monsignor reflected on his years leading to and his years in priestly ministry. After pharmacy college and seminary he served in Benalla, Kennington, Wangaratta and the Cathedral then in Mendi parish and the Bomana Seminary, Papua New Guinea. Each were enriching years with the people, fellow priests and the Bishops. Priesthood is a gift and a sign of Christ in the church and a priests is one who ministers Word and Sacrament to the people of God.