Beautiful Cathedral Of St Stephen Brisbane

The beautiful St Stephen cathedral which is located at Elizabeth street is a must visit. St Stephen cathedral is surrounded by many tall modern bulidings.It was built between 1864 and 1922, and extensions were made in 1989. This is the first Catholic Church in Brisbane. This amazing cathedral with beautiful sandstone towers and stained glass windows is also the oldest church in Queensland.

An amazing fact is Australia's only saint Mary Mackillop worshipped here when she lived at Kangaroo Point. Sister Mary founded the Sisters of St Joseph. Her mission was to educate the children of the poor. There are images of Sister Mary's including her amazing hand written words "nothing is too little to be noticed" which was to her sisters.

The design which is breathtakingly beautiful was designed by Gothic revival architect AWN Pugin. The first mass was celebrated in the church on 12 May 1850 by Fr James Hanly. Standing outside this church one feels great peace. Upon entering the church you will see the beautiful stained glass windows depicting aspects of St Stephen's life. There is much to see especially the developments that were made over the years in St Stephen Cathedral.

 

There are a number of things you will see in and around the grounds of  St Stephen Cathedral. The following is a list of what you can find:

 

1. Historic Chapel

 

2. Mary Mackillop - Australia's only saint

 

3. Mary, Women of faith

 

4. Stained Glass

 

5.Stations of the cross

 

6. Sanctuary

 

7. Crucifix

 

8. Baptismal font

 

9. Blessed Sacrament Chapel

 

10. Cathedral Crypt

 

11. Reconciliation Chapel

 

12. Francis Rush Centre- named after the fifth Archbishop

 

13. River of Stone - thirty blocks of sandstone that focus on the story of Stephen.

 

14. Empire Stakes -a cluster of posts carved from ironbark by indigenous artist Judy Watson.