The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit marked its centenary with a weekend of reverence, music, and community. From 21–23 March 2025, parishioners, clergy, musicians, and guests gathered to honour 100 years of history, faith, and architectural beauty.
The festivities began on Friday evening, 21 March, with a formal liturgy led by Bishop John Adams. This sacred gathering set the tone for the weekend, as attendees reflected on the Cathedral’s rich legacy. Following the service, guests enjoyed an evening of hospitality, strengthening community bonds over drinks and nibbles.
Saturday’s events featured a Festival of Music, showcasing the Cathedral’s remarkable acoustics. Choral groups, organists, pianists, and school ensembles filled the space with sacred and classical music. Alongside these performances, visitors explored the Cathedral’s historic treasures, including its internationally renowned Harry Clarke stained-glass windows and intricate whakairo carvings, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of the diocese. Parish cultural groups provided a free lunch, which included kai from India, Vietnam, Tonga, the Philippines, and a Māori boil-up.
Monsignor Brian Walsh reflected on the day, saying, “I was just amazed at the generosity of our culture groups, who provided a beautiful lunch over an extended period of time. Coupled with the lunch and the music items , we would have had several hundred people come and go throughout the Cathedral that day. I thought it was a great acknowledgement of the building itself, and of the generations of faith that had gone before us.”
On Sunday, 23 March, the centenary celebrations culminated in a special Mass, presided over by Bishop John. The Cathedral was filled to capacity as the congregation united in worship, giving thanks for a century of faith and devotion. Donna Brown, the Pastoral Coordinator for the Cathedral Parish, commented, “It was fantastic to see so many people coming through on Saturday, enjoying the music and food. It was also great seeing such a packed church for Mass on Sunday – over 500!”
The joyous atmosphere continued with a morning tea and the ceremonial cutting of the centenary cake. Bishop John was joined in cutting the cake by Margaret Broderick, one of the parish’s longest-standing members, and Cecelia Pham, one of the youngest parishioners and the most recently baptised.
Originally opened in 1925 as St Patrick’s Church and designed by renowned architect Frederick de Jersey Clere, the Cathedral was rededicated to the Holy Spirit in 1980 when Palmerston North became a diocese. Subsequent renovations in 1988 enhanced its grandeur, ensuring its place as a spiritual and architectural treasure. In 1990, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust designated it a Category 1 historic place, solidifying its status as an enduring landmark.
Bishop John shared his profound appreciation for the celebrations. “It was beyond my wildest expectations,” he said. “The Cathedral was full the whole weekend. Everyone who came seemed unhurried in their time in the Cathedral. At all the social occasions, people lingered, pleased to be there. It’s a beautiful building for music, with all genres and styles—ancient and new—on display. I personally stayed and listened to every performer, and I thought it was outstanding.”
Reflecting on the Sunday Mass, he added, “It was just fantastic. The Cathedral Parish—that’s Our Lady of Lourdes and the Cathedral itself—have been working hard on various ministries focused on hospitality, welcome, and fostering a sense of belonging for our faithful. I think it all came together beautifully in the Mass. It was probably my favourite Mass in my time as a Bishop!”
