Cathedral of St Stephen

The name “cathedral” derives from the cathedra, or bishop’s seat, symbolising the role of the bishop as the chief pastor and teacher of the local Church. As the central church of the Archdiocese, St Stephen’s is a gathering place not only for those who attend regularly but for the entire diocese, representing fellowship and unity within the global Catholic community.

In the quiet corners of this sacred space, countless individuals have found solace, strength, and guidance. Here, those in love have pledged their lives to one another, children have been baptised into the faith, and families have gathered to mourn loved ones. The cathedral has been a place where hope has been rekindled and trust renewed, as generations come together to celebrate the Eucharist around their bishop.

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity, whose life and sacrifice are commemorated within the Church. Stephen’s unwavering faith, even in the face of death, serves as a powerful example of Christian witness. The story of his martyrdom, found in the Acts of the Apostles, is depicted in the cathedral’s architecture, notably in the Rivers of Stone sculpture by Rhyll Hinwood, located between the Francis Rush Centre and the cathedral.

St Stephen’s is more than just a place of worship; it is part of Brisbane’s heritage. The original church, built in 1850, still stands on the site, making it one of the city’s oldest buildings. Over the decades, the cathedral has evolved, with major renovations and expansions enriching its architectural beauty and adapting it for modern liturgical practices.

In 1863, the foundation stone for the current cathedral was laid, and after many years of construction, the doors opened in 1874. Since then, St Stephen’s has witnessed countless historical moments, both in the Church and in the city of Brisbane. The cathedral’s history is not only preserved in its stone walls but also in the lives of the people who have passed through its doors.

The most recent renovations, completed in 1989, were designed to maintain the historical integrity of the cathedral while also meeting the liturgical needs of the modern Church. These updates included the installation of an underground carpark, a choir practice room, and expanded sacristy spaces, as well as creating a chapel for silent prayer where the consecrated Eucharist is kept.

The interior design enhances the spiritual experience, with natural light illuminating the cathedral’s gothic arches and the aisles drawing attention to the magnificent stained-glass windows. Each chair in the nave is crafted from Queensland sycamore and designed with individual kneelers, providing a sense of both community and personal reflection.

The cathedral’s stained-glass windows are one of its most treasured features, with many dating back to the 1880s. These windows, sourced from artists in France, Germany, Ireland, and Australia, depict scenes from Jesus’ life, including his birth, suffering, and resurrection. The windows also honour a variety of saints, including St Stephen, St Peter, St Paul, and St Mary, adding to the cathedral’s spiritual depth.

The Cathedral of St Stephen, a place of faith and community for over 150 years, warmly welcomes you to join our free guided tours. Offered each weekday (Monday through Friday) at 10:30 am, these tours, led by our welcoming Cathedral Guides.

These tours offer a chance to explore the cathedral’s stunning architecture and learn about the people and events that have shaped its history.

Whether you’re seeking a moment of reflection or simply curious about this remarkable landmark, our guided tours provide an engaging and meaningful experience for people from all faith and cultural backgrounds.

If you wish to book a private tour at another time, or a group, or school tour please visit this website https://www.cathedralofststephen.org.au/bookatour.html

Group tours are available by appointment.