Working on cathedral design a ‘blessing and responsibility’

Joseph Hampton, from Warren and Mahoney, writes in the latest edition of the Diocese of Christchurch’s publication about his professional and personal connection to the project.

As well as working on a building that will last for generations or even centuries, this design is a “deeply personal” undertaking.

“My family’s connection to the Catholic community in Christchurch stretches back more than 180 years,” Mr Hampton wrote.

“Earlier generations of my family contributed to the construction of the original cathedral. My grandparents worshipped within its walls. My parents met on this site. Today, my own children are part of the Cathedral parish community.

“In many ways, the Christchurch Diocese and the Cathedral Parish have helped shape the character and identity of my family across seven generations. To now play a role in helping create its future is an extraordinary blessing and responsibility.”

Mr Hampton said he recalls standing in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome as a 12-year-old boy.

“I remember being overwhelmed by a sense of awe and inspiration that was difficult to explain,” he said.

“It was an experience that helped inspire my decision to become an architect. The young boy standing there could never have imagined that one day he would be presenting the design of a cathedral to a bishop.”

In reflecting on the design that was unveiled recently, Mr Hampton said “the cathedral draws from the rich traditions of the Catholic faith while responding to the realities and opportunities of contemporary Christchurch”.

“The design seeks to create beauty without excess, grandeur with humility and permanence without extravagance.

“But this is not simply a cathedral building. It is a cathedral precinct […] It is a place where people can gather not only to worship, but also to meet, learn, celebrate, reflect and spend time together. In that sense, the cathedral contributes not only to the life of the Church, but also to the identity, continuity and collective memory of the city itself.”

FULL STORY

An Extraordinary Blessing & Responsibility (Inform/Diocese of Christchurch)

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