With next year marking the 30-year anniversary of the fire that devastated the heritage-listed St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta, a new book by Monsignor John Boyle recalls the event that captivated the public, politicians and the Australian media. Source: Diocese of Parramatta.
Monsignor Boyle was the dean and parish priest of St Patrick’s Cathedral when, on February 19, 1996, an arsonist lit a fire that ripped through the historic building. It took 40 firefighters from six brigades a whole day and evening to pour 13,500 litres of water onto the flames every minute. As Monsignor Boyle states in his book, Tested by Fire, “it was like fighting the devil with water pistols”.
The devastation was felt nationwide with then prime minister Paul Keating visiting the site several times, along with the then NSW premier Bob Carr, the then governor-general Sir William Deane, the heads of the Anglican and other churches and even the Rebel motorcycle gang coming to assist in the aftermath.
The arsonist watched the cathedral burn. He was captured, arrested and sentenced. Monsignor Boyle later went to the jail to forgive him, an act which received praise and backlash from the community.
The extraordinary tale of loss, grief, resilience, rebirth, rebuilding and community spirit is expertly and entertainingly told in the Monsignor’s own words. Tested by Fire, published by St Paul’s Publications in collaboration with the Diocese of Parramatta, was launched at a special event on Thursday, October 31.
Speaker on the evening, Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM praised the book and said events such as the St Patrick’s fire have a lasting effect on all involved, including firefighters.
“I think Monsignor Boyle has done such a wonderful job capturing all the elements of the story,” he said.
The book was commissioned by Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, who asked Monsignor Boyle to document not just the fire, but also the faith, service, and dedicated community that supported the rebuilding of the cathedral.
“Monsignor Boyle is one of the most qualified living witnesses to write an account of the destruction of the old St Patrick’s, which was a shocking and emotionally powerful event. His book also chronicles how the diocese responded to the challenge of rebuilding the cathedral after the fire,” Bishop Long said.
Tested by Fire explores Monsignor Boyle’s pivotal role in the cathedral’s rebuilding, working closely with then-Bishop Kevin Manning, and renowned Roman-born architect Romaldo Giurgola – who was also the principal architect for Australia’ New Parliament House. Giurgola’s St Patrick’s Cathedral design respects the cathedral’s heritage while embracing modern liturgical design.
FULL STORY
Tested by Fire: Extraordinary story of the burning of a historical icon captured in new memoir (Diocese of Parramatta)
