By Ingrid McTaggart, Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba
This March, the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba will welcome a truly historic guest, His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok CSsR, Australia’s Cardinal and Bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia and New Zealand. This will be Cardinal Bychok’s first-ever visit to Toowoomba, marking a moment of profound spiritual and cultural significance for the community.
To celebrate this special occasion, the Diocese is hosting two special events at the Cathedral Function Centre, where attendees will have the chance to hear his personal story in a live interview with respected journalist and former Courier-Mail Editor, Mr Michael Crutcher. Guests will hear firsthand about Cardinal Bychok’s remarkable journey from Ukraine to Australia and his reflections on the resilience of the Church.
“I look forward to visiting Toowoomba, meeting the people of the Diocese, and learning about the restoration of St Patrick’s Cathedral. I’m eager to share my journey from Ukraine to Australia, reflect on the Church’s resilience, and explore how sacred spaces and art renew faith across generations.” Said Cardinal Bychok of the upcoming visit.
Bishop Ken Howell, Bishop of Toowoomba, echoed this sentiment, “Welcoming His Eminence is a significant occasion for our Catholic community. These events offer a rare opportunity to hear a remarkable personal story while supporting the preservation of our Cathedral that’s also a part of our shared heritage.”
Funds raised from these events will go toward the restoration of St Patrick’s Cathedral’s historic leadlight windows, a $2.5 million project that forms part of the broader restoration of the building in preparation for the Diocese’s centenary in 2029. The project aims to preserve not only a spiritual hub of Toowoomba, but also one of the city’s most treasured landmarks for future generations.
Tickets are available now at www.twb.catholic.org.au/cathedral. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable experience that combines faith, a powerful personal journey and the preservation of history.