The In Lumine Fidei Gala Dinner delivered a landmark result for the restoration of Sydney’s mother church.
Sydney’s Catholic community gathered in force at the Sofitel Wentworth on 9 May for the In Lumine Fidei Gala Dinner, raising $1.2 million toward the restoration of St Mary’s Cathedral in what Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP described as “a once in a generation effort” to secure the future of the city’s mother church.
“We’re here because of St Mary’s Cathedral,” said the evenings MC, Ben Fordham.
“We are raising vital funds to enable its restoration and enhancements in order to welcome a million people a year.”
And when the final tally came in, $1.2 million raised, the room erupted.
“The gala dinner in support of St Mary’s Cathedral was a resounding success,” said Lisa Bartak, Director, Business Operations from the Archdiocese of Sydney.
“The Catholic community came together in a powerful expression of love and support for the preservation of St Mary’s and all that it represents: a spiritual home for Catholics across Australia.
“These conservation works will ensure every guest can experience the beauty, prayer, and sense of belonging that our Mother Church offers,” she said.
Every dollar raised will go directly toward the restoration and renewal of St Mary’s Cathedral, securing it for the generations to come, and preparing it to welcome the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV in 2028 for the International Eucharistic Congress, Eucharist28.
Among the featured projects is a universal access upgrade, ensuring the cathedral is genuinely accessible to all the elderly, young mothers with prams, and everyone in between.
“St Mary’s stands to this day at the heart of our city and in many ways, as its soul,” said Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, in his welcome address.
“For generations, its spires and walls have stood as a quiet but constant witness to faith, to beauty and to hope.”
The evening saw Archbishop Fisher launch the St Mary’s Cathedral Capital Campaign.
Its aim, he said was “a once-in-a-generation effort to raise $50 million to preserve and enhance this great cathedral, so that it remains a living cathedral, not a museum.”
If the cause was sacred, the guest list was nothing short of stellar.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended, joined by the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley AC KC, the Deputy Premier, Prue Car, the Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary, Susan Carter MLC. Former Governor-General Peter Cosgrove was also in the room.
Diego Torre performed magnificently, alongside the luminous Silvia Colloca and the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir.
The performances were described as some of the highlights of an already extraordinary evening.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised from the auction prizes throughout the evening.
The centrepiece was a stunning original artwork by celebrated Australian artist Charles Billich, depicting St Mary’s Cathedral.
A set of pearls found an enthusiastic new owner, snapped up by someone who wanted to bring them home that very night as a Mother’s Day gift.
The opportunity of a dinner with the archbishop drew spirited bidding from across the room.
“We need to look after this wonderful place that is such an important part of our Catholic tradition,” said one attendee.
“I think it’s important we maintain it for the future, for our children,” said another.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the evening through the raffle, silent and live auctions, and simply by being part of this historic night for our cathedral,” said Bartak.
Donations to the St Mary’s Cathedral Capital Campaign can be made at https://www.stmaryscathedral.org/capital-campaign
