Xavier Catholic College Hervey Bay's new school Chapel was unveiled recently after undergoing a rich five-year transformation.
St Francis Xavier Chapel, a 103-year-old Chapel that was originally located in Woolooga Gympie and decommissioned in 2019, was opened and blessed at a special event on Wednesday 26 July.
Father Adrian Farrelly and Principal Simon Dash recognised the historical and spiritual significance of the Chapel and saw an opportunity to preserve a piece of history – which they did!
Both their dedication to the restoration project and their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship truly embodies the values that we have at Brisbane Catholic Education, linking to Pope Francis’ call to ‘Care for Our Common Home’.
The Chapel embarked on a pilgrimage of its own, travelling over 100kms to its new home in Hervey Bay and gained a whole new lease of life.
The thought that went into the restoration of this magnificent building was to modernise the space, but whilst still paying homage to its original heritage.
The restoration creates a dedicated sacred place for the students at Xavier Catholic College Hervey Bay and the wider community, to engage more deeply and frequently in their learnings and practicing of the Catholic faith.
The Chapel opening also signifies the 20-year anniversary of Xavier Catholic College Hervey Bay this year, a wonderful way to commemorate this milestone with a new beginning.
Before and after - showing the incredible transformation.