Not only do we understand "church" as the People of God on their earthly pilgrimage to their true homeland in Heaven but, the word "church" also denotes the building in which the Christian community assembles to pray together, to hear the Word of God, and to celebrate and receive the Sacraments,especially the Eucharist. The church of Saint Francis Xavier has been prominent in Wollongong since its humble beginnings in 1848. One century later, raised to the status of Cathedral, this building is a powerful witness to the gracious presence of God, not only for Catholic Christians, but for the wider community.

The Cathedral's patron, Saint Francis Xavier, is often depicted with Francis pointing to the Cross which he holds aloft in his other hand. His motto rings strongly "in this sign is victory!" Our Cathedral building points clearly to the Cross of our Salvation, as well as reminding us of God in the midst of his people – "We do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" [Luke 4: 4 ]. Our Baptism into the community of the Church calls us to our true home in Heaven.

In liturgically dedicating our Cathedral after the recent restoration project, we are acknowledging the sacred functions of all churches and, more importantly, of the Mother Church of our Diocese. A church is "the house of God and the gate to Heaven" [Genesis 28: 17 ] and, as such, its dedication will grace it with its rightful dignity. The Cathedral will be dedicated during the special Mass for that occasion and it is hoped that as many of the priests of the presbyterate will be able to concelebrate the Mass with the Bishop. This day of dedication will be celebrated each year as a Solemnity in the liturgical calendar of the Cathedral and as a feast in every parish of the Diocese.

16 March has been chosen for the dedication as it coincides with the anniversary of the death of Archbishop John Bede Polding, the first Bishop in Australia. It was Bishop Polding who commissioned Saint Francis Xavier's Church, the first Catholic church in the Illawarra. This date, therefore, connects the dedication with our beginnings.

We pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our venerable Cathedral church, already sanctified by generations of people who have prayed, heard the Word of God and celebrated the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, in this sacred space. May we, who worship in Saint Francis Xavier's, strive to live the Christian dignity symbolised by our Cathedral.

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