His Excellency the Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, arrived in Bathurst on Saturday at the invitation of Catholic Bishop Michael McKenna.

Following a visit to the Immaculate Conception Church and Shalom House of Prayer at Carcoar on Saturday, the Holy See’s Ambassador to Australia celebrated 10am Mass in the Cathedral of St Michael and St John yesterday.

The service not only marked the anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral in 1865, but also the Feast of St Peter and St Paul. 

Archbishop Gallagher, who is based in Canberra, said he enjoyed sharing Mass with the local parish. 

“I’m very happy to be here,” he said. “It is wonderful to see so many young families here. There are bad views of the church out there, so this is very encouraging and shows the Catholic faith is not withering away in Bathurst.”

Archbishop Gallagher said the challenges of the Catholic church were well known and noted Pope Francis encouraged his Nuncios to get out to the people and offer support to the clergy.

He said he was enjoying his first visit to Bathurst and meeting those working in the diocese.

“It a chance to hear what they have to say and helps put a face to their names,” he said.

“It’s great to meet them and gain an understanding of their life and the everyday challenges they face locally and how they work with them.”

Archbishop Gallagher enjoyed a morning tea with the congregation and was given a tour of the cathedral, as well as an update on the ongoing renovations and repairs.

Archbishop Gallagher also visited the Sisters of St Joseph, the Sisters of Mercy and Chifley Home yesterday. 

Today he will meet and pray with local clergy, visit St Stanislaus’ College, the Chancery Office, Centacare and the Catholic Education Office, before he attends a mayoral welcome at council chambers tonight. He will leave Bathurst tomorrow morning.