Catholics invited to help name new cathedral

Catholics across Christchurch have been invited to help name the new Catholic cathedral that will be rebuilt on the Barbadoes St site of the former cathedral. Bishop Michael Gielen told mass-goers in a letter read from pulpits yesterday that while the naming of a cathedral was a decision for the local bishop, he wanted to get input from Christchurch parishioners. “By selecting a patron, we will choose someone on whom we can rely for intercession in our new cathedral. We will be choosing someone whose life and example can inspire us and influence the building’s design,” the letter read. The bishop said nothing prevented the cathedral being named for the Blessed Sacrament as the previous one was known, but the cathedral wouldn’t share the name of a parish or a church in the city that is still in use. Gielen invited members to make submissions via the diocesan website or in writing at parishes. The final date for contributions is June 9. Gielen will then “work with key advisers” to make a final decision which is expected to be announced in late July. The earthquake-damaged 1905 Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was demolished in 2020.