Cardinal Visits Site of Pilgrim Centre in Rome
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
10 Feb 2010
The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell accompanied by Tim Fischer, the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, had a first-hand look at construction of Domus Australia, the pilgrimage centre being built in Rome by the Australian Catholic Church.
"This is a significant development in the history of the Catholic Church in Australia. Most Australian Catholics have a great loyalty to the Pope and the Vatican, and this pilgrim house will strengthen these links," the Cardinal said.
Ambassador Fischer agreed and believes that once the centre is finished it will create even closer ties not only between Australia and the Holy See, but between Australia and Italy.
The initiative of Cardinal Pell, supported by Dioceses across Australia, Domus Australia was formerly the student house of the Marist Fathers in Rome and comes with its own chapel. Purchased by the Australian Catholic Church in March 2009, the imposing nineteenth century building which comes with its own chapel, is located a short distance from Rome's central railway station, Stazione Termini and is currently undergoing extensive renovation and restoration.
Construction work on the site began more than six months ago and has already uncovered the foundation remains of a 1st Century building. Along with artefacts, a wall of a house and a section of a column, a 1st Century herringbone stone pathway has also been uncovered. These historic finds have been protected and upon completion of the project, will be on display to pilgrims.
Domus Australia is expected to open early in 2011 and Ambassador Fischer says he hopes to be able to hold an inaugural ANZAC Day Mass in Rome in the building's newly-restored chapel.
The chapel which can accommodate around 200 will have an Australian feel and feature a number of paintings by award-wining Sydney-based artist, Paul Newton whose acclaimed portrait of Our Lady of the Southern Cross now hangs in St Mary's Cathedral. Many of Paul's paintings for the chapel will chart the history of the Catholic Church in Australia and will include paintings of outstanding pioneers including Blessed Mother Mary MacKillop who will become Australia's first saint when she is canonised by Pope Benedict XVI later this year.
The chapel also contains a series of 19th and 20th Century artworks and these are currently being faithfully restored. Cleaning has also taken place to remove decades of dust and grime and reveal the vibrant colours beneath.
"One of our ambitions will be to have a priest attached to the chapel," says Cardinal Pell. "And Mass will be celebrated everyday in English."
Once it is completed, the pilgrim centre will provide affordable accommodation for about 80 Australian pilgrims and tourists to Rome. More than 60,000 Australians visit the Eternal City each year and Domus Australia will be their home away from home. Some of the rooms have been specially fitted to accommodate those with disabilities while several others have been designed for large groups. The completed pilgrim centre will also have a large conference room, a spacious dining room and 12 meeting rooms.
Cardinal Pell, probably more comfortable in his mitre than compulsory hard hat, negotiated the five floors of building works to inspect what will eventually be the rooftop garden and barbeque area.
"Domus Australia will provide pilgrims with the latest information on the Vatican and the Holy See as well as information on Rome's historic sites and famous churches. We hope it will be something very special for Australians visiting Rome," Cardinal Pell said.
