Despite being a devastating event, the destruction of St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1996 has also led to a transformation in the Diocese of Parramatta, says Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv.
Bishop Vincent, the Bishop of Parramatta, celebrated Mass to commemorate the fire that destroyed St Patrick’s Cathedral 30 years ago on 19 February 1996.
Concelebrating with Bishop Vincent at the Mass on 19 February at the Cathedral were Fr Peter Williams AM, Vicar General, Fr Robert Riedling EV, Dean of the Cathedral, Monsignor John Boyle (former Dean of the Cathedral), and Deacon David Dowling.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent reflected on how deeply the event had etched itself into collective memory. “We still remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard of the news or worse when we saw the fire with our own eyes” he said.
Yet he urged the faithful to see beyond the devastation.
“The fire paradoxically was the catalyst for the young diocese to reimagine its symbol of unity, faith and mission.”
Concelebrating the Mass were Fr Peter Williams AM, left, Mons John Boyle, second from right, and Fr Robert Riedling. Image: Alfie Ramirez/Diocese of Parramatta
What seemed only destructive became, in time, transformative.
A New Beginning
“God does work in mysterious ways,” Bishop Vincent said. “He brings about new life from apparent defeat and loss.”
Drawing on salvation history, he reminded the congregation that crisis has often preceded renewal – from the exile of Israel to the persecution of the early Church.
The destruction of the cathedral, he said, opened an opportunity “to re-imagine our place in the civic domain”, resulting in a rebuilt and renewed cathedral that stands today as “a proud testament to the courage, resilience, generosity and faith of the people of Western Sydney”.
Do This in Memory of Me
Monsignor John Boyle, Dean of the Cathedral at the time of the fire, reflected on the importance of remembering this tragic event.
“The Church is built on memory. At every Mass, the faithful hear the words of Jesus: Do this in memory of me.
“Remembrance is not a sentimental exercise; it is something living, something that shapes identity.
“It is no surprise, then, that Catholics hold tightly to moments that have marked and moulded their community – especially moments of profound loss.”
The congregation heard that the fire was a catalyst for ‘new life’ in the Diocese. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Matthew 18:22
When asked what he remembers the most on that fateful day, Monsignor Boyle said that it wasn’t the flames, the smoke or the destruction.
It was the reaction that he received when he said that the arsonist was forgiven.
The backlash was swift and fierce from the media: “Why would you say that?”
“I preach forgiveness, So, I must practise what I preach,” he said.
“To me, forgiveness is not optional in Christianity. It is central. It appears again and again in the New Testament.
“When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone – “Up to seven times?” – Jesus answered: “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
The Rest is History
In the decades since the fire, the Diocese of Parramatta has experienced what many describe as a quiet but unmistakable coming together.
The shock of losing the cathedral clarified something profound: this was our cathedral.
The tragedy brought visibility and sharpened identity, particularly as Parramatta grew into a dynamic metropolis in its own right.
The rebuilt cathedral now stands not only as a place of worship, but as a confident sign that the Catholic community of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains is present, engaged and here to stay.
Marking the Anniversary
Monsignor Boyle has shared his reflections in a new video interview released to mark the 30th anniversary, alongside his memoir, Tested by Fire, which recounts the blaze and its lasting impact on faith, vocation and community.
Watch Mons Boyle’s video interview here.
Pick up a copy of Tested by Fire at St Paul’s Publications today.
