Saint Christopher's Cathedral, Canberra

Saint Christopher’s Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic cathedral in Australia’s capital city, serving as the seat of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. Situated in the Forrest suburb (in the local Manuka precinct), this cathedral is both a spiritual and architectural landmark in the nation’s capital.

Originally established as a parish church in 1927, with its foundation stone laid by Archbishop Michael Kelly, the building officially became a cathedral in May 1938, under Archbishop Norman Gilroy. The initial phase of construction was completed in 1939, giving rise to the parish church that would evolve into today's cathedral.

The cathedral underwent a significant expansion in 1973, designed by Clement Glancy Junior (son of the original architect), doubling its capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers. This extension added important features such as a bell tower, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, spacious sacristies, and a crypt-while preserving the original stained-glass windows. Notably, the crypt is the final resting place of Archbishops Eris O’Brien and Thomas Cahill.

Today, Saint Christopher’s Cathedral not only serves as a vibrant center of worship-hosting significant national and diocesan services and even opening prayers by Australian parliamentarians-but is also recognized for its historical and cultural significance. It was duly included in the ACT Heritage Register in 1998.