History on the hill

Sacred_Heart_Cathedral2

by NZ CATHOLIC staff
A Wellington city hill has been the site of continuous Catholic education for just on 165 years,
and “Celebrating Presence Together” is set to make a big mark in 2015.
The theme will unite a parish of three schools in commemorations over Labour Weekend.
Golders Hill in Thorndon is home to Sacred Heart Cathedral, St Mary’s College and Sacred Heart
Cathedral Primary School.
The parish was founded in 1850 and, in the same year, the first Catholic school opened nearby.
Education has been offered on the same site ever since.
The Marist Brothers’ Thorndon school also played a major part, until its removal to make way for the Wellington urban motorway in the 1970s.
The principals of St Mary’s College and Sacred Heart Cathedral School, together with cathedral
parish priest and representatives of the pastoral council and school boards, are planning a
“significant celebration”.
The occasion is seen as an opportunity to showcase Catholic life in a historic part of Wellington,
and its contribution to wider New Zealand society.
Planning will encourage registrations from as far afield as possible. The weekend will emphasise
the variety of gifts that contribute to the richness of Catholic tradition.
Celebrations will include a gala dinner, cultural displays and a major exhibition in the National
Library, which is also in Thorndon.
The committee is keen to hear from past pupils, parishioners and anyone associated with either of
the two schools or the parish. Photographs, stories or memorabilia are being sought to flavour
the historical displays and enhance memories.
A jubilee email has been established: [email protected] or: Fr James Lyons (04) 4961700, [email protected]

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