On 30 April 2025, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli wrote to the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, describing St Patrick’s Cathedral as ‘a light into the city’.
For many years, he said, he has described the Cathedral ‘as a place that must always be a source of light for the wider community—a beacon along the path of communion, formation, and mission, that brings the Gospel to life in all its fullness’.
From its earliest days, he wrote, ‘St Patrick’s has stood at the heart of Melbourne’s story. Its stones hold not only a deep spiritual and cultural history but also a history of faith, hope, and resilience—a living testimony that has shone brightly through both joyful and challenging times.’
The letter noted that more than 10,000 people walk through the doors of the Cathedral each week, and that more than 3,000 might gather there at any one time for special celebrations, ‘with many thousands more joining through liturgical broadcasts’.
‘After 127 years, this grand matriarch continues to welcome and serve an ever-growing community of faithful and visitors alike, and does so with grace and beauty,’ he wrote.
‘Yet, as with all things that endure, care and stewardship are needed. It is no secret that after more than a century, St Patrick’s now requires significant restoration and renewal. But this is about more than simply repairing stonework or mending tiles. It is about ensuring that this living Church—this light in the heart of our city—remains strong, vibrant, and ready to serve future generations.’
St Patrick’s was, and remains, a work of love and hope.
Noting the responsibility to keep this light shining brightly, ‘not only for ourselves but for all who seek hope, beauty and a spiritual home here’, the Archbishop welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s pre-election pledge of ‘a $60 million commitment to begin the restoration and revitalisation of St Patrick’s Cathedral and its precinct’, as well as the federal Opposition’s matching pledge.
These commitments, he wrote, were ‘a bold and generous investment in the future, a sign of confidence that this place of faith, history and community will continue to shine at the heart of Melbourne for many years to come.’
The letter outlined the scope of the work to be completed on the Cathedral, including essential remedial and restoration work, as well as improvements to public amenities and parish and community gathering spaces, and the development of ‘dedicated locations for outreach, healing, and faith formation’.
‘St Patrick’s was, and remains, a work of love and hope,’ he concluded, ‘an investment not only in bricks and mortar but in the life and heart of our people, and their place in the story of this city. This is a life-giving project that will involve us all.’
