Welcome
St Patrick’s Cathedral holds a special place in the life and history of our diocese. It stands as a visible sign of our unity and as the spiritual home from which the bishop leads God’s holy people. Recent restoration work has breathed new life into this beautiful building, and in many ways, it looks almost new again.
Those who know St Patrick’s well will appreciate that there is still much to be done inside the cathedral to allow its true beauty to shine. One of our major priorities is the restoration of the cathedral’s windows, many of which are now in urgent need of repair. I hope we can all take pride in our cathedral and join together to support the important work ahead.
Bishop Ken Howell
Bishop of Toowoomba
Renewal of the Cathedral Windows
The renewal of the Cathedral windows is a rare, once‑in‑a‑century opportunity to shape how future generations will pray, reflect, and encounter God at St Patrick’s Cathedral. While many windows are deteriorating, this project is about much more than repair- it is about honouring our heritage, expressing who we are today, and creating something inspiring for the future.
An important part of our history is the names and dedications inscribed on many of the existing windows. These memorials reflect the faith and generosity of past parishioners. All names will be respectfully preserved in a dedicated area within the Cathedral, ensuring their legacy continues permanently. Nothing is being lost; rather, our history is being carried forward with reverence and gratitude.
The vision for the new windows is guided by three core principles:
- Respecting our heritage
- Reflecting a living and diverse Church
- Creating artwork filled with hope for the future
The project will use high‑quality materials and skilled craftsmanship, combining traditional techniques with modern methods that enhance beauty and longevity. All decisions will support the liturgy – shaping the movement of light, the atmosphere of worship, and the overall beauty of the Cathedral.
Bishop Ken's Vision
Sanctuary Windows
In the sanctuary behind the altar, the heart of our worship, I hope the windows can speak even more strongly of the Risen Christ, of the Eucharist, and of the rising sun that has always symbolised hope and new life. I imagine warm, radiant colours drawing the eye to the altar and proclaiming the mystery we celebrate at every Mass.
Aisle Windows
In the aisles, I envision a procession of Saints moving toward the altar, reminding us of the Communion of Saints who accompany us in faith. These would include St Mary MacKillop, other Australian Blesseds, Saints tied to parish names around the Diocese, and regional figures like St Peter to Rot. I hope these will be life-sized, colourful, and deeply prayerful.
Liturgical West
At entrance, the much-loved Liturgical West window will be carefully restored, with surrounding windows repaired to their original quality. This part of the work can begin earliest.
Transepts Windows
In the transepts, I picture two new commissions: Our Lady of the Southern Cross on one side, and St Patrick on the other – both rich in symbolism and in their connection to our Diocese.
Clerestory WIndows
High above, the clerestory windows will continue to give the Cathedral its warm “golden light”- a feature that so many people treasure. Whether redesigned or remade, they will maintain this luminous identity.
Cathedral Construction and Restoration Timeline
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