Giving Thanks for our Past and Looking with Faith towards the Future.
Greetings to you all,
This Spring we celebrate two significant milestones in the life of our diocese: the publication of the 150th edition of Inform and the announcement of the design for our new cathedral. Both invite us to reflect with gratitude on our past and to look with confidence towards the future.
Over many years, Inform has connected our diocesan family by sharing stories of faith, mission and service from throughout the diocese. I am deeply grateful to the many contributors, photographers, editors and volunteers who have helped make this publication possible since it began in 1991. In a special way,
I wish to acknowledge Ken Joblin, whose dedication, professionalism and commitment have guided Inform for many years. His work has not only informed us, but has helped preserve the story of our diocesan community for future generations. It is fitting that this milestone edition coincides with another important chapter in that story: the unveiling of the design for our new cathedral.
When Bishop John Grimes, (the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Christchurch), arrived in the late nineteenth century, he inherited a small Catholic community with limited resources. Yet, he carried a vision that was far larger than what lay before him. He believed that Christchurch deserved a great cathedral, a place that would honour God, inspire the faithful and stand as a sign of the Catholic presence in this city, for generations to come. It was a bold dream.
Bishop Grimes travelled widely, seeking support, including that of Pope Leo XIII. He raised funds throughout New Zealand, Europe and America. There were setbacks, financial challenges and moments when the project seemed destined to fail. Yet he persevered, because he understood something profoundly important: people need inspiration. They need something that can unite them, lift their hearts and remind them that they are part of a story greater than themselves.
When the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was opened in 1905, Christchurch witnessed something extraordinary. The basilica designed by Francis Petre, immediately became one of the architectural treasures of New Zealand. The Press described the occasion beautifully, comparing the cathedral to
“a beauteous bride apparelled for her wedding day.” Even today, those words help us appreciate the sense of hope, pride and joy that surrounded its opening. Yet perhaps Bishop Grimes’ greatest achievement was not simply the cathedral itself, but the faith, courage and vision that made it possible. He understood that every generation is called to leave something of value for those who come after it. Those who built the cathedral made a statement about the place of God in the life of this city, leaving a gift that future generations would inherit.
Bishop Grimes’ vision stood proudly over Christchurch for more than a century. Then the earthquakes changed our city forever. The cathedral that had inspired and served generations, was taken from us, leaving not only a physical absence but a visible reminder of what had been lost. Yet, the challenge before us today
is remarkably similar to the one Bishop Grimes faced more than a hundred years ago. We too are being asked to look beyond present circumstances and build with faith for the future. A cathedral has always been about something greater than bricks and mortar. In every age, Christians have built churches, not simply because they needed a building, but because they wanted to proclaim through beauty, worship and sacrifice, that God remains at the centre of life. Our new cathedral is not simply about replacing what was lost. It is about renewing that vision for a new generation, expressing confidence in the future and declaring something hopeful about who we are and what we believe.
During the recent dedication celebrations for Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, Pope Leo XIV reflected that the Church “opens its doors as though they were its arms”, welcoming all people to hear the Word of God and gather around the altar of Christ. He also reminded us of a deeper truth: the liturgy is “the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed and the source from which all her power flows.” That is ultimately why cathedrals matter.
One day, future generations of Catholics will gather in this cathedral for baptisms, weddings, ordinations and funerals. They will come to celebrate moments of joy and seek God’s comfort in moments of sorrow. They will encounter Christ in the Eucharist, hear His Word proclaimed and discover their place within the community of faith.
They may never know our names, but they will inherit what we choose to build. That is why this announcement matters. It is not ultimately about constructing a building. It is about honouring God in the present, expressing confidence in the future and leaving a legacy of faith for those who follow.
Bishop Grimes understood that, more than a century ago. Perhaps his greatest lesson for us today, is that every great work of God begins when ordinary people have the courage to trust Him and take the first step. The first foundation stone is never concrete or stone. It is faith. Whenever a community responds generously to God’s call, something beautiful becomes possible.
Yours in Christ
+ Michael Gielen
Bishop of Christchurch
