The beautiful Aboriginal stone inlay in the forecourt of St Patrick’s Cathedral depicts the Creator Spirit, who is the continuing source of life in both Aboriginal and Christian spiritual traditions. Encircled by a border of greenstone and a larger surround of basalt, the design of the inlay is based on the understanding that meaning is multi-layered. Each symbol in the design has dual meaning. The particular perspective of the viewer will determine the interpretation of the design. The viewer also is given the opportunity to gain insight into another people’s culture.
Symbols
Dove (white granite)
The dove represents the breath and spirit of God as it flies over the water before the act of creation.
Snake (yellow granite, brass)
Myndii, the great snake that punished unlawful behaviour, acted under the power of Bunjil; it could not act alone. The snake can also represent the Rainbow Serpent, which is the Creator Spirit for different Aboriginal cultures in the north of Australia. It is reminiscent of the snake in the story of the Fall in the garden of Eden, while for the Jewish people freed from Egypt, the serpent on the staff held by Moses was a sign of healing.
Eagle (red granite)
The eagle on the ground represents the shadow of Bunjil’s presence. The Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation believe that Bunjil, as their moiety, is a spiritual being with a spiritual power who created man, woman and child, and all living things from the land. Bunjil the Eagle is one of the two skin groups for the Kulin Nation. Bunjil keeps a watchful eye on all people and offers guidance to those who choose to listen.
Trefoil
This Gothic symbol—common in Catheral architecture—is used to represent the Trinity. The snake is the shape of the trefoil.
Lines (bluestone)
The lines are based on a Kulin Nation design that was found on possum cloaks, shields and bark used in dwellings. Under the eagle’s wings, the lines represent the two skin groups and the 38 language groups found in Victoria. The line in the middle of the cross represents the language groups that, due to the effects of colonisation, are unknown.
Water
The source of all life. Lines sandblasted into the bluestone represent the water the dove flies over.
Message from a Wurundjeri elder
The Wurundjeri say that our story is similar to yours. Your story is by your chosen faith; our story is by the Dreaming. We both have creators, and we believe in our creators. Ours is Bunjil the Eagle. In the creation story, we say we belong to the land, that we are part of the land and the land is part of us. Wurundjeri also say that there is a place for everyone, and everyone has a place on this land.
St Patrick’s Cathedral provides a beautiful place and a comfortable environment. We feel happy here too. Today and always, we will share this space as the symbol of creation in the lives of all people. We are honoured to form this partnership in respect of your reconciliation of the Aboriginal people and their lives.
—Joy Murphy