Work has begun to hang eight new church bells in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, with the first bell lifted into position in the cathedral bell tower on Friday. Source: Catholic Outlook.
Once the bells are in place, they will be tuned by members of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers.
The eight new bells, plus the original bell, named St Patrick, will be rung together for the first time within the next few weeks.
Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. blessed the bells in a ceremony in September. Getting to this stage has been a story involving dedicated people from around the world, passionate about bringing the dream of the pioneers of 19th century Parramatta to life.
Fr Peter Williams, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, co-ordinated the project with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers, from tracking down suitable bells internationally, to working out the logistics of hanging them and who will ring them.
“Since 1853, the people of Parramatta have been waiting to hear the peal of bells, which, in the early days of our colony would remind them that it was time to attend church” he said.
“This is not only a rewarding project for the parishioners of Parramatta, but, given our parish dates from 1803, it’s an historic moment for the whole of Australia.
“They symbolise persistence, hope and regeneration.”
FULL STORY
History made as St Patrick’s Cathedral bells hung (Catholic Outlook)
