A Brief History
On 10th January 1886, Cairns’ first catholic church and priory, St Monica’s, was opened on the corner of Abbott and Minnie Streets.
Sadly, it was destroyed in the 1927 cyclone, but was rebuilt in 1928. This building is now home to Catholic Services.
St Monica’s was not the first church in the diocese, nor – at the time - was it a Cathedral. In 1886 other churches had already been established at Cooktown, Herberton, Port Douglas, Normanton, Georgetown and Croydon.
In 1941, Cairns became a diocese, and the most recent incarnation of St Monica’s Cathedral was blessed and opened in July 1968. It can be found at 181 Abbott Street, Cairns.
The Cathedral Windows
In 1994, as the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the end of World War II approached, local artists Gerry Cummins and Jill Stehn began the Peace Windows project. Their work resulted in 60 square metres of stained glass, installed at the Abbott Street end of St Monica’s Cathedral in time for the 1995 anniversary celebrations. Following this, the artists embarked on the ambitious task of creating the remaining 240 square metres for the Creation Windows.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral Bell
Along with the original church on the corner of Abbott and Minnie Streets, the bell tower was destroyed in the 1927 cyclone.
It was rebuilt at the rear of Bishop’s House, then later relocated, at ground level, between the house and cathedral. It was finally moved to its present position in the bell tower on the southern side at the front of the cathedral.
The bell rings “The Angelus” prayer each weekday at 1:30pm only.
The Bishop’s Chair
In 1887, the Cathedra (also known as the Bishop's Throne or Bishop's Chair) was presented to St Mary's Church Cooktown by local parishioner and businessman Mr Ambrose J. Madden.
In 1940, anticipating that Cairns would soon become a diocese and with the War coming close to the northern coastline, Fr Thomas Hunt, suggested to Bishop John Heavey, that “The Throne” be brought down to Cairns.
When St Monica’s became a cathedral in 1941, this historic throne was already installed. The chair was transferred to its present position in St Monica’s Cathedral in 1968 and is one of our treasures of the past.
Colours
Highlighting St Monica’s role as a War Memorial Cathedral, the cathedral has the honour of hosting the Colours if the 51st Battalion, The Far North Queensland Regiment. These are on display at the back, right hand side of the nave.
Cathedral Gift Shop
Operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Cathedral Gift Shop is here to help you find the perfect item. Whether it’s a meaningful gift, a copy of the Daily Mass Book, or something special for a loved one.
We offer a wide selection of religious gifts and cards for all occasions, including baptisms, first Eucharist, confirmations, celebrations, and times of sympathy.
Our book collection caters to all ages and interests, from a child’s first Bible to inspiring reads for teens and works by popular religious authors. For those who prefer to listen, we also stock music, talks, and prayer CDs.
You’ll also find a variety of devotional items such as medals, holy cards, magnets, bookmarks, and more, each chosen to support your faith journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Bibles
- Mass books
- Prayer books
- CDs and DVDs
- Statues
- Framed holy pictures
- Rosary Beads
- Crucifixes
- Greeting Cards
- Candles
- Gifts with inspirational messages
- Children’s teaching books
- Sacramental gifts for baptisms, confirmations and other events
The Cathedral Gift Shop is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Phone: 0448 716 451
Email: Giftshop@cairns.catholic.org.au
Web: www.cathedralgiftshop.com.au
