I was on a visit to Lismore a few days past and simply happened to be passing the cathedral and the fact that there was activity evident, (not normal) going on.
I was fortunate enough, to to be able to have a quick look inside and was amazed at the change in its interior. The cupboard was almost bare.
The following Sunday, I was at Mass at my Parish Church in Ballina , which was celebrated by Bishop Jarrett of the Lismore Diocese.
Believe me, that not one word regarding the activities at the cathedral was mentioned. Silence reigned supreme. The huge works being undertaken would amount to a considerable sum of money and not one word to the Ballina Parishioners who will, without doubt, be involved in the final accounting one way or another.
I walked towards my car in wonderment, deep in thought, and cast my mind back to the 33-year-old carpenter/preacher who trod the dusty and unkempt streets of Palestine humbly garbed, two thousand-odd years past, with little to look forward to other than a merciless flogging, a ‘tree’ and a tomb, cut out of the rock by Simon (a friend) for his own use.
What would he think, of the huge moneys that were being spent, on such a grandiose plan and, totally unnecessary? When, at least half the cost could be used to restore the cathedral to its former glory.
Nev Kelly, Ballina
