The Cathedral Bell

The Cathedral Bell, which was cast at the Fountain Head Bell Company in Dublin, was presented to the Cathedral by the Children of Mary in 1904 during the episcopacy of Bishop Higgins.

Floor Plan

The Portico

The portico is the porch or entrance to the cathedral.  On the swinging doors there is a floor plan of the features of the building.  A replica of Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta’, showing the crucified Christ in Mary’s arms, is on the western side of the entrance.  Michelangelo selected his blocks of marble from the hills of Carrara in Italy and the Italian influence is evident in the cathedral with Italian marble on the floor and also in the tabernacle.  The Stations of the Cross are also from Italy.

The Nave

The Cathedral Organs

Originally the accompaniment for choir and congregational singing at St Joseph’s Cathedral was provided by a pedal-powered reed organ of the type found in most churches of the era.

It was realised that nothing but a pipe organ could provide the volume and quality of sound demanded by a building the size of the cathedral.  So, in the early years of the century, the Brisbane firm of B B Whitehouse was commissioned to build and install a suitable instrument in the choir loft over the portico.  Over the years the organ, with its two manuals and pedal-board, was much admired for its beauty of tone by musicians and congregations alike.  It was regularly serviced and maintained by Whitehouses.

After the Second Vatican Council the choir was relocated to a position on the floor of the cathedral close to the sanctuary.  From then on the old pipe organ was seldom used.

Plans for the completion of the cathedral in 1982 included the restoration and modernisation of the instrument with electrically operated action and a remote console but, after dismantling many of the great pipes, the organ builder suffered a serious illness and the work was abandoned.

Even the largest electronic organs in the new choir area proved to be inadequate and, in June 1995, the decision was made to purchase a state-of-the-art Ahlborn-Galanti non-pipe classic organ.  Using a new digital technique called Sampled Wave Processing, this Italian made instrument stores the actual sounds of some of Europe’s finest pipe organs and makes them available to the player at the touch of a fingertip.  A bank of stereo speakers high above the main entrance ensures even distribution of sound throughout the cathedral.

The Side Aisles

The eastern side aisle is where the remains of Bishop Cani, the only bishop buried in the cathedral, are interred.  An inscription over the grave tells of his work.  The choir stalls and the confessionals are also in the eastern side aisle while the pulpit, no longer used, is near the front of the western aisle.  The Baptistry, which was originally at the entrance on the western side, is now positioned between the side door and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.  

Stations of the Cross run along the side of both aisles commencing near the sanctuary on the eastern side and finishing on the western side.  

Both side aisles have many stained glass windows.  These are one of the most beautiful features of the cathedral.

Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass windows traditionally have a number of purposes: they allow light into the cathedral; with the sunlight bringing out the beautiful colours of the windows they have a decorative function; and in the Middle Ages, when most people could neither read nor write, they served as a powerful focus while a gospel parable was read or commentary on it was made.  For this reason they were given the title of The Education of the Illiterate.

The stained glass windows in the side aisles depict gospel parables, as does the multi-panelled one above the choir loft at the cathedral’s entrance.  At the base of the windows the gospel reading they illustrate is given, as is the name of the deceased parishioner whose memory they acknowledge.  The windows “come to life” if they are studied as the parable is read.

The windows in the side aisles and above the choir loft were placed in position during the episcopate of Bishop Higgins.  They were ordered from John Hardman Studios in Birmingham in 1901 and have been removed only twice since their installation.  During World War II, when Japanese attacks seemed imminent and damage to the windows highly possible, they were taken to Neerkol and buried for safekeeping.  In 1988, when pieces of glass and their lead sheathing were parting, workmen from John Hardman Studios removed them, took them back to Birmingham, restored them to their original condition and replaced them.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross were obtained by Bishop Higgins from Italy.  They are in high relief and complement the stained glass windows.  They illustrate events in the Passion of Jesus and are used for devotional prayer.

The Sacristy

The Sacristy, Our Lady’s Chapel, the Daily Chapel and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel comprise the new area of the Cathedral added during the episcopacy of Bishop Wallace.  It is in the Sacristy that the vestments, books, vessels and other items used during liturgical services are kept.

Our Lady’s Chapel

Our Lady’s Chapel holds a statue of Our Lady backed by stained glass windows depicting the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.  It is used for devotional prayer.  A statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus also features in this chapel.

The Daily Chapel

This area is intended for weekday Masses or for more intimate occasions such as family gatherings to pray for one who has just died.  A statue of St Joseph the Worker is displayed here.

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel

In this chapel the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the Tabernacle.  A red light signifies this sacramental presence of Jesus.  The Tabernacle is framed by stained glass windows illustrating the Last Supper where Jesus instituted the Eucharist.  In the top right hand corner Judas can be seen going about his business.  Each of the seven sacraments is symbolically represented in these windows.

An area has been set aside in front of the Tabernacle for those who wish to spend some quiet time in Jesus’ presence.  It is comfortably furnished.  

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary, delineated by carpet, is the most sacred part of the Cathedral.  It is from the Greek cathedra = a chair, and the suffix al = relating or pertaining to, that the word ‘cathedral’ comes.  The chair referred to is the Bishop’s chair situated behind the altar.  This chair symbolizes the Bishop’s spiritual authority within his diocese.

Two important pieces of furniture in the sanctuary are the altar (table of the Eucharist) and the lectern or reading stand (table of the Word).  Just as Jesus is present at the moment of consecration at the altar, so is he present through his Word at the lectern.