Conservation and Restoration – A work in progress
Please click here to make a contribution to our conservation efforts
St Mary’s Cathedral is one of the great historic buildings of Sydney. It stands as a monument to generations of Catholics and is a national icon.
Its spiritual and symbolic significance is recognised world-wide as a statement of Christian grace and beauty.
As Australia’s largest Cathedral it also represents the spiritual origins of the Catholic Church in Australia from the arrival of Catholics on the First Fleet in 1788 to the celebration of the first Mass authorised by the government in 1803 to the arrival of the first officially appointed priests on the convict ship The Janus on 3 May, 1820.
Today more than 300,000 people visit St Mary’s each year to gaze on this grand English-style gothic structure.
That the Cathedral, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, took more than 100 years to complete is an indication of the dedication and steadfastness shown by the Catholic community.
St Mary’s Cathedral is a living monument and like all grand buildings is undergoing continual and sympathetic restoration and maintenance works. The focus of the conservation and preservation project of this 19th century architecture include the sandstones, floors, roofs, fences and other structural features which require constant and ongoing maintenance.
Ongoing projects include:
- Restoration of the Cathedral façade
- Interior stonework restoration
- Restoration of internal and external doors
- Roof and floor repairs
- Preservation of stained glass windows, historic exhibits, artwork and sculptures
- Conservation of the Cathedral Crypt
Your contribution can help continue the tradition of the Catholic community to help preserve the Cathedral for future generations, not only Catholics, but also as a major historical landmark of one of the great cities of the world.
Please click here to make a contribution to our conservation efforts