Amidst one of the darkest weeks in Sydney’s history, the opening night of Christmas at the Cathedral saw Sydney’s mother church become a beacon of healing and unity.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP hosted a memorial prayer service attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Christopher Minns, Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon and members of the diplomatic corps, dedicated to those lost, those injured, and all affected by the Bondi attacks.
They were joined by NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, civic and municipal leaders, members of Jewish organisations, former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and a large cohort of representatives from a variety of faith communities.
On the cathedral steps, Archbishop Fisher assured the Jewish community that all of Sydney stood with them in their grief and pain.
“To the extent that I can speak for Catholics, for Christians, for believers, for people of good will, I say to our Jewish sisters and brothers, you are not alone,” assured Archbishop Fisher. “This attack on you attacks all that is good and holy. It attacks us too. The dark stain of antisemitism on our city and nation challenges us all. Hanukkah and Christmas challenge us also. To light the candle of fraternity, justice, goodness. To be instruments of comfort, healing, mercy. To demonstrate the best of humanity after seeing the worst.”
Prime Minister Albanese paid tribute to the everyday heroes, thanking them for “reminding us that at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character.”
“Evil will never overcome the courage, decency and compassion and kindness of Australians that is central to the character of who we are,” he said. ‘We will come together as we are this evening, and we will come through this together,” he told those gathered.
Premier Minns emphasised a message of hope, that despite “seeming a distant prospect in the last few days,” we must not give up on hope. Quoting the words of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the Jewish leader and father of five who was buried that very day, the Premier asked: “may we pray for peace within our hearts and peace all over the world.”
Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton, Chief Minister of The Great Synagogue said it was “truly heartwarming to know you stand with us.” He attested to the strength and resilience of his community emphasising: “we will not allow evil to triumph. We will not let hatred win. Though we walk through the shadow of death, we will fear no evil for you are with us. Your rod and your staff give us comfort,” he told the crowd. “
Faith leaders from across Sydney, including the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel, the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed and members of the Hindu, Sikh community in an inspiring display of interfaith unity and respect to light 15 candles in an honour of the victims of the atrocity.
After the memorial, crowds moved to the forecourt square for the opening of the Christmas at the Cathedral event.
Federal Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek, recognised the “watershed moment” the tragedy represented and affirmed that in events like Christmas at the Cathedral, we move forward “to embrace one another and remember our shared humanity. To welcome the light.”
NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Multiculturalism, Sport, Jobs and Tourism Stephen Kamper echoed the call towards unity saying: “we must be generous in our charity. We must unite first and foremost behind our common commitment to each other as Australians.”
In his second address for the evening, Archbishop Fisher recognised the sadness surrounding the Christmas celebrations this year but reassuringly reminded us of the angels on Christmas night. “Perhaps it’s now more than ever that we need to join that angelic aspiration for peace on earth with our every prayer, intention and effort.” And with his words: “let there be light,” the façade of the cathedral came alive with this year’s theme, the Christmas carol, ‘The Little Drummer Boy’.
As 30 million pixels brought the tale to life in wondrous animation, soundtracked with the warmth of Delta Goodrem’s voice, it seemed that, even for a moment, Sydney siders were reminded of the joy of the Christmas season, so apparent just a week before.
Crowds were overcome with emotion as the little drummer boy’s act of playing for the newborn king sent a much-needed message that, even in great hardship, brighter days are possible. As his drumbeat echoed through the forecourt, his unwavering spirit sent a profound message of resilience that resounded with the many hundreds in attendance.
The night was a powerful testament to unity, peace, and unwavering faith, rising above the pain and suffering of the past week.
” We’re all sad at the moment, but it was lovely to see all the heads of the country come together and then the lights reminded us there is always hope.”
“Light always wins in darkness, and we saw that tonight with everyone coming together,” said sisters Bridget and Rosemary Lennon from Gordon.
In one of Sydney’s darkest weeks, Christmas at the Cathedral reminded those gathered of the importance of community, of the need to stay united, share their gifts, and work together to rebuild and heal.
Christmas at the Cathedral will run until 25 December 2025, from 5.30 pm till 10.30 pm every night.
