CathNews New Zealand

Bishop Jones seems to be open to the idea that the earthquake and subsequent demolitions and closures  might give the diocese a chance relocate some parish churches.

When asked if the Catholic diocese is considering these kinds of issues he said  “We are, absolutely.”Our churches have all been built in communities that wanted churches where they were,”  but “the point you raise is very interesting”.” While the churches have good-sized congregations, “the real issue is whether they are the right places to have churches”.

With the heavy concrete dome of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament making the building still too unstable to approach, the diocese office next door on Barbadoes St is also been off- limits. Bishop Jones said people are working from home on laptops; no-one can get in to retrieve files and computers.  “It’s so dangerous that no-one can actually get near it,” He said. “If there was another earthquake like the one on February 22, the engineers think the dome would actually come down. It’s a death trap.”

In an ideal world, would Bishop Jones want it restored to its previous condition? “If it was feasible. It’s an absolute treasure. But I’m not even beginning to think like that. It’s just too soon.

Many other Catholic churches have also been damaged. A final prayer service has already been held at St Mary’s in New Brighton, which is to be demolished. Historic churches in Sumner and Lyttelton have likewise been hit hard.

Source
Christchurch Earthquake
Stuff 26/3/11

Photo
Stuff

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News category: New Zealand.