Video highlights pilgrimage sites in Dunedin Diocese

A series of videos was inspired by the Church’s Jubilee Year theme, Pilgrims of Hope, and presents key places of pilgrimage throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Dunedin Diocese video starts at St Joseph’s Cathedral, where presenter Joanna Kearney spoke with parish priest Fr Vaughan Leslie, who showed viewers around the site “with some enthusiasm”. Fr Leslie related the stories of altars, statues, the choir loft, organs, confessionals and more.

Mrs Kearney said that when Fr Leslie said they never throw anything away at the Cathedral, he wasn’t joking. He mentioned several planned restoration projects.

“Everywhere you look in St Joseph’s, there is either an object of incredible beauty, something sacred, or some nook or cranny to explore. One thing is for sure – every last detail tells a story,” Mrs Kearney added.

She also visited St Patrick’s Basilica in South Dunedin, noting its classical style, beauty and importance to the community.

Mrs Kearney next went to St Mary Star of the Sea Church in Port Chalmers, which is noted for its maritime features and links with St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

The video then followed the footsteps of St Mary MacKillop in moving from Port Chalmers to Arrowtown in Central Otago, home of St Patrick’s Church and the saint’s cottage.

Similar videos showing pilgrimage sites in Auckland and Christchurch dioceses have already been released on YouTube. They can be accessed here.

Videos for the other dioceses in Aotearoa New Zealand will be released in coming weeks.

FULL STORY

Pilgrims of Hope – Catholic Diocese of Dunedin (Catholic Discovery/YouTube)

RELATED STORY

Efforts to preserve history realised (Otago Daily Times/The Star)