by Most Reverend Denis J. Hart D.D.
Archbishop of Melbourne

Saint Patrick’s is a place of God, an oasis of peace and beauty.  A small immigrant community built it with courage, vision and love.  It is a lasting reminder of God’s constant presence among the people of Melbourne.

As a small boy I remember my father bringing me in for a visit.  Later as a seminarian I saw that it was the focus of the Church and I attended Ordinations.  Later as a priest at the Cathedral I came to know the many moods which our Cathedral has; the peace of early morning, the prayerfulness of those who come for a visit, the comfort of reconciliation offered at lunchtime as the Cathedral becomes light and the day is splendid.